October 2, 2018
Statement from Premier Brian Pallister on Breaking Down Internal Trade Barriers
The federal government has achieved a tentative new trade deal with the United States and Mexico, but our work at the provincial and territorial level is not finished. We must now refocus on our priorities.
Internal trade barriers cost Canadian households $1,500 every year. Canada’s provinces must continue to walk the talk, by tearing down our own trade barriers.
This past July, at the premiers’ meeting in Saint Andrews, N.B., we made great progress in strengthening Canada and improving the lives of Canadians. I welcomed a commitment made by all provinces and territories to take meaningful action to address trade barriers within their control.
On behalf of all premiers, Premier Stephen McNeil of Nova Scotia and I agreed to lead further work by provincial and territorial trade ministers to advance greater consumer choice for alcohol products, and to continue efforts to bring down internal trade barriers in other specific areas including transport regulations, agriculture, business registration, and occupational health and safety.
The Bank of Canada has said that reducing inter-provincial trade barriers could increase our GDP by one full percentage point.
We must continue to do our part at the provincial and territorial level to energize the economy, and put money back on the kitchen tables of Canadian families.
Manitobans understand the importance of free and open trade. We will continue to lead the way in ensuring Canada remains an attractive and competitive destination for private-sector investments, which are integral to creating jobs and a prosperous economy.
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