Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced Thursday that his government’s business council has recommended eliminating interprovincial trade barriers to boost the province’s economy, as the legislature prepares to debate Bill 47 before a key federal meeting next week.
The Premier’s Business and Jobs Council called for harmonizing standards and regulations with neighbouring jurisdictions to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses operating across provincial boundaries.
The council’s trade subcommittee, led by Economic Development Winnipeg president Ryan Kuffner, includes representatives from major business organizations and labour groups. The group said clearer compliance guidance would help companies navigate regulatory differences more efficiently.
“Harmonizing regulations or providing clearer guidance on compliance expectations would help companies navigate these differences more efficiently and reduce the burden of regulatory compliance,” the committee said.
Timing tied to federal priorities
The recommendation comes as interprovincial trade barriers are expected to be a central topic at Monday’s first ministers’ meeting. The federal throne speech delivered Tuesday highlighted the need for free trade across Canada by Canada Day.
Kinew said his government will extend the legislative sitting into summer if needed to ensure Bill 47 passes before the federal meeting. The Fair Trade in Canada Act would remove trade barriers for goods and services between Manitoba and other Canadian jurisdictions.
Business support builds
The council’s position aligns with similar calls from the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and Business Council of Manitoba, which have all pushed for reducing interprovincial trade obstacles.
The council is co-chaired by Mondetta Clothing founder Ash Modha and Manitoba Federation of Labour president Kevin Rebeck. Its trade subcommittee includes leaders from major agricultural, manufacturing and labour organizations.
The committee recommended that Manitoba “strengthen its capacity for collaboration with other Canadian provinces and the federal government to ensure that provincial interests are effectively represented and integrated into comprehensive national trade policies and initiatives.”
The push for harmonized regulations reflects growing business frustration with regulatory differences that can complicate operations across provincial boundaries, particularly for companies seeking to expand their market reach.
