June 2, 2025
Manitoba Government Passes Groundbreaking Interprovincial Trade Bill with All-Party Support
– – –A Team Canada Approach Breaks Down Barriers and Opens Doors for Manitoba Businesses: Moses
The Manitoba government is strengthening the economy and protecting Manitobans from tariffs with the passage of Bill 47, the Fair Trade in Canada (Internal Trade Mutual Recognition) Act, and amendments to the Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act (Buy Manitoba, Buy Canadian Day), Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses announced today.
“Everyone listened to the business community and worked across party lines because we know how important this bill is,” said Moses. “We all agree that this is a win for Manitoba and Canada. This bill puts Manitoba businesses and workers first by making it easier to sell products and services across Canada.”
The bill passed today with the support of both government and opposition members – a rare, but welcome, show of unity for Manitoba’s economic future, noted Moses.
Bill 47 removes trade barriers for goods and services between Manitoba and other jurisdictions in Canada. The elimination of interprovincial trade barriers has been called for by a number of prominent Manitoba business organizations, including the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and the Business Council of Manitoba, added the minister.
"This is another step for Manitoba and Canada to freer internal trade. While more work needs to be done, we were pleased to work co-operatively to ensure the benefits to Manitoba families and businesses are realized quickly,” said Lauren Stone, opposition finance critic. “Our Progressive Conservative team fully supports removing any remaining barriers to interprovincial trade and labour mobility and certification within Canada. We have ensured the expedited passing of Bill 47, the Fair Trade in Canada Act, as another step towards achieving free trade within Canada.”
The passing of Bill 47 aligns more broadly with the federal government’s goal of free trade across the country by Canada Day, July 1. Additionally, internal trade is expected to be a key point of discussion for the first ministers (FMM) meeting today.
“That we are able to pass this bill in time for the FMM positions us as a leader among provinces in terms of internal trade,” said government house leader Nahanni Fontaine. “This signals that we can get great things done for Manitobans by working together.”
Bill 47 has received royal assent today after being introduced earlier in May.
- 30 -