New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador signed a memorandum of understanding Tuesday aimed at eliminating trade barriers and enhancing labour mobility between the two provinces.
The agreement will allow for automatic recognition of products, services and credentials approved in either province, a move officials say will strengthen the regional economy as they face increasing trade pressures from the United States.
“We’re working to ensure that all products, services and credentials that are approved by Newfoundland and Labrador are automatically recognized by New Brunswick and vice versa,” said New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt.
The MOU marks New Brunswick’s second such agreement in recent weeks, following a similar arrangement with Ontario. Newfoundland and Labrador is currently New Brunswick’s fourth-largest trading partner based on two-way trade volume.
Labour mobility a priority
The agreement comes as New Brunswick introduced legislative amendments last month to improve labour mobility. The proposed changes to the Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act would allow workers in regulated professions to begin working immediately in the province during the registration process.
“This partnership reflects the shared commitment of our two provinces to build a more connected Atlantic Canada for the betterment of our residents and economy,” said Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey.
Both premiers indicated they are collaborating with the federal government to address interprovincial trade barriers as part of a broader effort to strengthen the Canadian economy against foreign tariffs.
Broader economic strategy
The memorandum commits both provinces to improve the flow of goods and services while increasing investments that contribute to sustained economic activity throughout Atlantic Canada.
The agreement represents another step in provincial efforts to create a more integrated economic region in eastern Canada, addressing long-standing concerns about internal trade barriers that have complicated business expansion and worker mobility across provincial boundaries.
