The federal government is seeking input from businesses, industry groups and labour representatives on new regulations under the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act.
The law, which aims to reduce federal barriers to interprovincial trade and labour mobility, was passed in June as part of the One Canadian Economy legislation. The consultations will guide rules to recognize comparable provincial and territorial regulatory requirements and outline any exceptions needed to protect Canadians’ health, safety, security, well-being and the environment, according to the government.
Consultation process
Regional and national consultations will take place over the next month. The government said it will host in-person and virtual roundtables in partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, involving representatives from sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, labour and transportation.
Stakeholders can also submit written feedback by Aug. 22. The government said it will consider all input in drafting the final regulations, which are expected to be published in fall 2025.
Goals of the act
The act is designed to make it easier for Canadian workers and businesses to move goods, provide services and seek employment across provincial and territorial borders by reducing regulatory duplication.
“We are listening to and answering the calls from business and industry to remove barriers to trade between Canada’s provinces and territories,” said Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Chrystia Freeland. “We are working with them every step of the way to remove the federal red tape and give Canadians lower prices and more choice.”
The government estimates that eliminating barriers to internal trade could increase productivity and add up to $200 billion to the economy.
