The federal government is reportedly planning to remove a laundry list of exemptions to the Canada Free trade Agreement, making interprovincial trade more accessible for businesses.
The news comes days after the Western Standard published an investigation into why Canadian businesses are moving or expanding operations to the US. Every agency or stakeholder we spoke said barriers to trading between provinces were the most prevalent of frustrations among business owners.
Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand is expected to make an announcement Friday at the Committee on Internal Trade, reported the Globe & Mail. The committee is comprised of both provincial and federal representatives that supervise the Canada Free trade Agreement.
The outlet reported Ottawa will slash more than half of the exemptions in place, which prohibit businesses from trading freely between provinces.
While the federal government allegedly makes moves on facilitating trade as Canada stares down the barrel of a trade war with the United States, provinces are taking matters into their own hands to do the same.
Alberta Minister Devin Dreeshen this week called on Anand in an open letter to adjust restrictions to open inter-provincial infrastructure projects.
“I have posted an open letter to the federal minister of transport and internal trade, urging her and her federal colleagues to take action and advance investments in interprovincial mega-infrastructure projects that will ensure Canada is competitive and successful,” said Dreeshen.
“Canada has been stuck in a situation where it cannot complete nation-building projects like the Canadian Pacific Railway that was completed in 1885, or the Trans Canada Highway that was completed in the 1960s.”
“Canada needs to take bold action to revitalize the productivity and competitiveness of its economy – going east to west and not always relying on north-south trade. There’s no better time than right now to politically de-risk these projects.”
“Through our collaboration with neighbouring jurisdictions, we will spur the development of economic corridors by reducing regulatory delays and attracting investment. We recognize the importance of working with Indigenous communities on the development of major infrastructure projects, which will be key to our success in these endeavors.”
“However, provinces and territories cannot do this alone. The federal government must play its part to advance the economic corridors that we need from coast to coast to coast to support our economic future. It is time for immediate action.”
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston announced on Thursday his government will introduce legislation that would make more inter-provincial trade possible, if his counterparts did the same, according to On-Site Magazine.
Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford said if he wins the February 27 provincial election, he would consider introducing similar legislation, as well as remove all Ontario’s exemptions under the federal free trade agreement.
