September 8, 2008
Manitoba Targets Internal Trade Barriers: Swan
Continuing to remove barriers to internal trade and bolstering provincial labour mobility will take a more focused approach with the recruitment of Scott Smith to implement the province’s commitments in these areas, Competitiveness, Training and Trade Minister Andrew Swan announced today.
“At the last Council of the Federation meeting, premiers made a commitment to improve labour mobility between the provinces by working to overcome barriers to professional recognition,” said Swan. “Scott Smith has significant experience in this area and will work with regulators to facilitate the mutual recognition of occupational credentials within Canada.”
The Council of the Federation remains closely involved with a national effort to reduce internal trade barriers and will be updated on these efforts during the next premiers’ meeting currently scheduled for August 2009.
“I look forward to a more concentrated approach to the work Manitoba and Canada are doing to help reduce trade barriers,” said Swan. “Smith’s work as minister has provided him with the skills and knowledge needed to help get this important work done.”
Smith has entered into a one-year contract with Manitoba Competitiveness, Training and Trade and is to be paid $89,932. He was a Manitoba cabinet minister from 2001 to 2007 including appointments as minister of competitiveness, training and trade; minister of intergovernmental affairs and trade; and minister of industry, economic development and mines.
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