May 22, 2025
Manitoba Government Introduces Legislation to Break Down Interprovincial Trade Barriers, Proclaim June 1 as Buy Manitoba, Buy Canadian Day
The Manitoba government has introduced legislation to bring down interprovincial trade barriers and help grow the province’s economy, Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses announced today.
“Manitoba is dealing with both American and Chinese tariffs and now is the time to build up this country we love so much,” said Moses. “Through this legislation and co-operation with other provinces, territories and the federal government, we will unlock more economic opportunities for people across the country. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient economy that will support Manitoba workers and bring our country together.”
Bill 47, the fair trade in Canada act, would remove trade barriers for goods and services between Manitoba and other jurisdictions in Canada. The proposed legislation is based on mutual recognition similar to other provinces, the minister noted.
If the federal government, a province or a territory has legislation or an approach similar to Manitoba’s for removing barriers to trade in goods and services, the Manitoba government may designate it as a reciprocating jurisdiction.
Under mutual recognition rules, the goods and services of a reciprocating jurisdiction that meet its standards and approvals would be recognized as meeting the comparable standards and approvals in Manitoba.
The mutual recognition rules would not apply to goods and services that are provided by Crown corporations. With this legislation, the Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act would be amended to proclaim June 1 of each year as Buy Manitoba, Buy Canadian Day.
This legislation builds on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on economic co-operation signed by the governments of Ontario and Manitoba earlier this month, the minister noted. The MOU asks both provinces to introduce legislation using reciprocal mutual recognition to reduce trade barriers. Other provinces, including British Columbia, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, have introduced similar legislation.
- 30 -