Canada’s First Ministers have agreed to take significant steps to reduce internal trade barriers and improve labour mobility, aiming to strengthen the domestic economy amid rising international trade challenges.
Following a meeting in Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and provincial and territorial premiers pledged to streamline regulations that restrict the free movement of goods, services, and workers across the country. The commitment comes in response to new U.S. tariffs on Canadian products, which leaders say underscore the need for greater economic self-reliance.
“All First Ministers agreed that now is the time to take meaningful action to further liberalize and support the Canadian market so that goods, services, and workers can move freely,” the federal government said in a statement.
A key component of the agreement is ensuring that professionals certified in one jurisdiction can work anywhere in Canada without unnecessary bureaucratic delays. The First Ministers tasked the Committee on Internal Trade and the Forum of Labour Market Ministers with developing a national credential recognition framework by June 1, 2025. The plan will include a commitment to process applications within 30 days, allowing workers to relocate more easily for job opportunities.
Quebec indicated it would introduce measures tailored to its specific linguistic and regulatory requirements while adhering to the broader goal of increased workforce mobility.
Trade ministers have also been directed to review exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), with a report due by mid-year. Some provinces have already removed trade restrictions in recent years, and the new initiative is expected to expand those efforts. The trucking sector and consumer goods industries are among the areas targeted for regulatory alignment.
Another major development is the expansion of direct-to-consumer alcohol sales. Most provinces have committed to allowing Canadian-made alcoholic products to be shipped directly to consumers across jurisdictions. British Columbia already permits direct sales for wine, and Manitoba allows them for all alcoholic beverages. The Yukon is exploring similar options.
The First Ministers’ commitment to internal trade reform follows recent data showing that more than $530 billion worth of goods and services moved across provincial and territorial borders last year, accounting for nearly 20 per cent of Canada’s GDP. Economists estimate that eliminating trade barriers could add up to $200 billion to the national economy.
The Prime Minister and premiers vowed to continue working together to implement these changes, emphasizing that a unified domestic market is critical for economic growth and resilience.
