Premier Scott Moe is urging the rest of the Canadian provinces to sign on to the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA), saying a bigger pact would cut red tape and let people and goods travel more freely across provincial borders.In a Wednesday letter sent to every premier, Moe asks governments to begin talks to become full partners in the NWPTA. The agreement was created in 2010 by Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, with Manitoba joining in 2017..NWPTA has created Canada’s largest barrier-free market, and Moe wants to expand it to grow Canada’s economy. "Joining the New West Partnership is an opportunity for all provinces and territories to work together to strengthen internal trade and to grow Canada's economy," said Moe."For almost two decades, western provinces have enhanced free flowing trade through the New West Partnership Trade Agreement, fostered strong economic growth and created opportunities for communities and residents." NWPTA already covers more than 11 million people with a combined economic value over $818 billion..Moe says letting the other six provinces in would turn Western rules into national ones.Under the agreement, partners accept each other’s job licences, use open bidding for public work, drop residency limits on business owners, and align standards to reduce paperwork. It also offers a dispute settlement process open to governments, companies, and workers.Moe pointed out at the latest Western Premiers Conference, held last month in Yellowknife, that the NWPTA members endorsed inviting the rest of the country. Moe’s letter now makes that an official offer to the provinces..The invitation comes as premiers prepare for the Council of the Federation meeting in Halifax later this month, where internal trade will be on the agenda. Economists say barriers between provinces shave up to 4% off the national GDP, a gap Moe argues the NWPTA could decrease."We commend the Government of Saskatchewan and its partners in British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba for their continued leadership in strengthening interprovincial trade," said Canada for Crestline President Steve Hoffrogge. "The modernization of the New West Partnership Trade Agreement reflects a shared commitment to transparency, fairness and reducing barriers to doing business across Western Canada. These steps create a more competitive environment that benefits businesses, workers and consumers alike." Provinces already follow the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, but the Western pact sets lower dollar limits for public tenders and has fewer exceptions.Moe tells his colleagues that Saskatchewan is ready to brief officials and set out next steps if they show interest.
