The federal government says it will be seeking opinions from agriculture and agri-food representatives as it develops regulations under an act designed to reduce interprovincial trade barriers.
The Free Trade and Labour Mobility Act is part of the One Canadian Economy legislation that received Parliamentary Royal Assent on June 26. The act looks to ensure that:
- Goods and services produced, provided or distributed under provincial or territorial requirements are recognized as meeting comparable federal requirements related to interprovincial trade.
- Workers licensed or certified by a province or territory can work in comparable occupations in federal jurisdictions without additional requirements.
Read Also
Nutrien expects more fertilizer use by farmers despite low crop prices
Nutrien expects increased fertilizer use by North American farmers this fall and a good global potash market in 2026 despite some crop prices at multi-year lows.
Regulations under the act are under development to specify requirements including what makes federal rules comparable to provincial ones, the federal government said in a news release on Thursday.
The federal government will hold national and regional consultations with industry, business and labour representatives, including agriculture and agri-food groups, in the coming month. It is also calling for written submissions.
Interprovincial trade, labour mobility could benefit farmers
Interprovincial trade — a longtime matter of debate — has been a hot topic with federal and provincial governments this year as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs have threatened national exports.
In February, the Trudeau government said it would remove 20 out of 39 exeptions to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA). These mainly related to government procurement.
A March meeting saw Canada’s premiers agree to reduce barriers, including those around direct-to-consumer alcohol sales. Recently, Manitoba signed economic co-operation agreements with New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island.
Manitoba producer groups have cheered moves toward greater interprovincial trade.
“Having uniformity and consistency in standards is key, and it is also important that these standards meet the standards our customers require as part of international trade agreements,” Manitoba Beef Producers general manager Carson Callum said in May after Manitoba tabled the Fair Trade in Canada Act.
The act passed in early June.
“Removing regulatory barriers across provinces that impact efficiencies — such as transport regulations — are areas our sector feels are key areas of focus to improve interprovincial trade,” Callum added.
Cam Dahl, general manager of the Manitoba Pork Council, said the Manitoba bill was a step toward greater labour mobility. For example, he suggested, a veterinarian certified in Ontario would be able work in Manitoba. He also flagged difficulties in transport regulations.
