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Economic Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Trade Minister Freeland announces removal of 53 federal trade barriers as Canada moves toward 'one united economy' under Carney's vision
One Canadian economy Live Events What changed, and what hasn't Bill C‑5 (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Internal Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland stated that Ottawa has removed all 53 federal exemptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) in a landmark move announced on June 30, carve-outs, known as 'exceptions,' gave preferential treatment in federal procurement to certain sectors such as finance, commercial land development, transportation services, and space projects, but also blocked companies from doing business across provincial borders.'Removal of all federal exceptions in the Canadian Free Trade Agreement is one of the many recent measures we are taking, following the passing of the One Canadian Economy Act , to eliminate internal trade barriers and cut red tape for Canadian businesses,' Freeland said in the announcement comes just one day before Canada Day, fulfilling Prime Minister Mark Carney 's commitment to finish this work by July 1. Carney, who campaigned on uniting Canada's 13 provinces and territories into 'one Canadian economy', immediately hailed this as a victory in a broader strategy to reduce Canada's reliance on the US amid ongoing trade exemptions lifted were federal-only issues, such as procurement rules that gave Ottawa bias. Provincial exemptions remain in place, including in areas like dairy, alcohol, and licensing laws. Provinces and territories are scheduled to review and remove their exceptions, with updates expected at a special Committee on Internal Trade meeting on July announcement follows the June 20 passage of Bill C‑5, known as the One Canadian Economy Act, which received royal assent on June 26. The bill has two parts, one codifies the elimination of federal trade and labour restrictions; the other fast‑tracks large national projects deemed in the national groups, including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, support the move, calling it a long‑overdue modernization. But critics raise flags. The Assembly of First Nations and environmental groups worry the new Building Canada Act, part of Bill C‑5, could override provincial, Indigenous, and environmental laws in pursuit of 'national interest' megaprojects.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Trade Minister Freeland announces removal of 53 federal trade barriers as Canada moves toward 'one united economy' under Carney's vision
Canada removed federal trade barriers. Chrystia Freeland announced the removal of 53 exemptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. This followed the One Canadian Economy Act. The move aims to unite Canada's economy. It reduces reliance on the US amid trade disputes. Provincial exemptions remain for now. Industry groups support the modernization. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads One Canadian economy Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What changed, and what hasn't Bill C‑5 Internal Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland stated that Ottawa has removed all 53 federal exemptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) in a landmark move announced on June 30, carve-outs, known as 'exceptions,' gave preferential treatment in federal procurement to certain sectors such as finance, commercial land development, transportation services, and space projects, but also blocked companies from doing business across provincial borders.'Removal of all federal exceptions in the Canadian Free Trade Agreement is one of the many recent measures we are taking, following the passing of the One Canadian Economy Act , to eliminate internal trade barriers and cut red tape for Canadian businesses,' Freeland said in the announcement comes just one day before Canada Day, fulfilling Prime Minister Mark Carney 's commitment to finish this work by July 1. Carney, who campaigned on uniting Canada's 13 provinces and territories into 'one Canadian economy', immediately hailed this as a victory in a broader strategy to reduce Canada's reliance on the US amid ongoing trade exemptions lifted were federal-only issues, such as procurement rules that gave Ottawa bias. Provincial exemptions remain in place, including in areas like dairy, alcohol, and licensing laws. Provinces and territories are scheduled to review and remove their exceptions, with updates expected at a special Committee on Internal Trade meeting on July announcement follows the June 20 passage of Bill C‑5, known as the One Canadian Economy Act, which received royal assent on June 26. The bill has two parts, one codifies the elimination of federal trade and labour restrictions; the other fast‑tracks large national projects deemed in the national groups, including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, support the move, calling it a long‑overdue modernization. But critics raise flags. The Assembly of First Nations and environmental groups worry the new Building Canada Act, part of Bill C‑5, could override provincial, Indigenous, and environmental laws in pursuit of 'national interest' megaprojects.
Associated Press
27-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Labour Market Ministers Prepare to Respond to Potential Tariff Impacts
GATINEAU, QC, Feb. 26, 2025 /CNW/ - The Forum of Labour Market Ministers met virtually yesterday for discussions as all governments prepare an appropriate response to mitigate the impacts of potential U.S. tariffs on the workforce. This meeting followed previous ministerial discussions on January 31, 2025, when Ministers explored possible solutions to address labour market issues in Canada resulting from the threat of U.S. tariffs. At that time, Ministers also discussed what federal, provincial and territorial governments could put in place to actively contribute to strengthening Canada's workforce and economy. Ministers agreed on the need to adopt an effective and coordinated response to protect the economy, while considering the needs of provincial and territorial labour markets. Ministers also discussed the need to build a more resilient workforce and to support stronger domestic growth. To this end, Ministers look forward to collaborating with the Committee on Internal Trade on bold action that could be taken by governments on labour mobility. Ministers look forward to providing an update to the Committee on Internal Trade at its next meeting. Minister MacKinnon reiterated the importance of foundational federal programs that provide an effective first line response, including the Employment Insurance (EI) Work-Sharing Program, which allows EI-eligible workers to receive partial EI income support while they work reduced hours, EI regular benefits. As part of a first line response, Ministers also noted the critical role of employment assistance and reskilling services delivered by provinces and territories, provided through the Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs). Provincial and territorial ministers reiterated to the federal government that they are best placed to respond to the unique needs of their respective labour markets. Noting that LMDAs are funded through the EI contributions of employers and workers, they emphasized that additional funding for these workforce supports would be vital to Canadian businesses and workers in the event of tariffs. They recognized that the Work-Sharing Program, EI regular benefits and increased LMDA funding helped to prevent layoffs and retained skilled workers in sectors impacted by past tariffs, such as those in 2017–2021 in the forestry, steel, and aluminum sectors. Ministers also agreed to examine additional ways to support workers and employers impacted by economic disruption, emphasizing the need to respond quickly during this time of uncertainty. Focusing on longer term solutions, ministers recognized the progress made to date to remove barriers to labour market mobility and will work together to identify additional measures to support workers and employers and enhance Canada's productivity and economic competitiveness. They also acknowledged the importance of respecting the unique needs of provinces and territories, such as Québec's linguistic specificity. Labour market ministers closed the meeting by restating their commitment to work collaboratively to closely monitor the situation and ensure readiness to respond to immediate workforce impacts and identify long-term solutions in the best interests of all Canadians. Ontario is not a party to this communiqué, as it is in an election period. About the Forum The FLMM was established in 1983 as an intergovernmental forum aimed at strengthening cooperation on federal, provincial and territorial labour market priorities. Quotes 'Any threat to Canadian jobs requires a calculated and coordinated response. Canada's labour market ministers stand at the ready to protect Canadian workers, sectors and prosperity against a possible tariff threat - today's meeting underscores that readiness and our unity.'
CBC
24-02-2025
- Business
- CBC
B.C. will do 'whatever is necessary' to remove internal trade barriers: minister
British Columbia plans to enter a meeting with other provinces this week prepared to make "substantive changes" to its interprovincial trade barriers as the threat of hefty U.S. tariffs looms, Economic Development Minister Diana Gibson said. Gibson met virtually on Feb. 21 with her provincial counterparts on the Committee on Internal Trade and said they were committed to reducing trade barriers within the country. "We have come together with an incredible energy and commitment to meet this moment to help reduce barriers to trade, so that movements of goods and services across our provinces can help unlock economic development and support jobs and economic diversity," she said in an interview after the meeting. The group is set to meet in person in Toronto this coming Friday. WATCH | Feds set to remove internal trade barriers: MacKinnon says removing internal trade barriers would be 'outstanding news' for workers 3 days ago Duration 2:58 Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said on Friday that the government is 'working really hard' to remove interprovincial trade barriers. Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand announced on Friday that the government will remove more than half of federal internal trade barriers. Gibson said if there is a national commitment to reduce barriers, B.C. will "do whatever is necessary" and put forward legislation if required. On Feb. 20, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said his province would table legislation to reduce interprovincial trade barriers. A statement from federal Minister of Internal Trade Anita Anand on Feb. 21 said the virtual meeting focused on steps being taken to eliminate exceptions to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, making it easier for businesses to access financial services, removing administrative barriers and making it easier for workers to move between jurisdictions. "The discussions between the provinces and territories are energetic, and we are working at an unprecedented rate towards removing barriers to internal trade and labour mobility, for Canadian workers and businesses to succeed," Anand said. Gibson would not discuss the specific changes to free trade exceptions that B.C. was considering but said ideas in other discussions have included recognition of certifications for workers including roofers and teachers. WATCH | Trade war threat prompts discussions on internal trade: Premiers focus on improving domestic trade as Canada-U.S. trade war looms 1 month ago Duration 1:57 Canadian premiers say it's time to focus on reducing domestic trade barriers, making it easier to trade goods and move workers between provinces — especially with a Canada-U.S. trade war looming. Gibson said B.C. has been working with other provinces to cut red-tape barriers created by differences and duplication of standards and certifications. "(We're) really starting to feel like there's a commitment there to engage in new ways and see progress when we come together," she said. Randall Zalazar, director of government relations for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said it was time for premiers to seize the momentum on internal trade. "At a time of growing economic uncertainty, reducing trade barriers can provide a much-needed boost, bringing forward our economic potential in the face of (U.S.) President (Donald) Trump's threatened tariffs," he said.
CBC
21-02-2025
- Business
- CBC
Ottawa removing half of federal internal trade barriers: source
Social Sharing Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand informed the provinces Friday that Ottawa will remove more than half of federal internal trade barriers in a move to make Canada less reliant on the United States, according to a senior federal government source. Anand made the announcement at an informal, virtual meeting of the Committee on Internal Trade, which is responsible for implementing the Canada Free Trade Agreement (CFTA). The federal government is removing more than half of the 39 remaining CFTA exceptions to encourage more trade within Canada, according to the source. CBC News is not identifying the source because they were not authorized to speak publicly. The move comes a little more than a week before Canada could be hit with punishing tariffs from its largest trading partner. Anand has said previously that the U.S. President Donald Trump's threats have brought a new sense of urgency to knock down Canada's internal trade barriers as never before. More changes expected in coming week Removing all the protections could lower prices by up to 15 per cent, boost productivity by up to seven per cent and add up to $200 billion to the domestic economy, she said. "We are at a pivotal moment in the history of our country and in the future of the Canadian economy," Anand said earlier this month. "The momentum is palpable. The moment is here and we are seizing the moment." Last July, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced the removal of 17 federal exceptions from the CFTA related to federal procurement. Today's announcement is expected to tackle more than half of the remaining 39 exceptions. The source did not disclose exactly how many exceptions are being wiped and which ones they are. Anand previously told CBC News she was working on removing federal trade barriers related to procurement and financial services. WATCH | What would a Canada-U.S. trade war look like?: What would a Canada-U.S. tariff war actually look like? | About That 29 days ago Duration 12:26 Canada is responding to U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of massive tariffs on Canadian imports with retaliatory tariffs of its own. Andrew Chang explains how tariffs — and a possible trade war — could impact the economy, businesses, and consumers both north and south of the border. Images gathered from Reuters, Getty Images, and The Canadian Press. The minister also said she's working with provinces to streamline labour mobility and other rules, including regulations for truckers. "We need mutual recognition of rules across the country so that if you're a trucker, you don't have to comply with 13 different sets of regulations," Anand previously told CBC's Rosemary Barton Live. Anand's announcement comes one day after Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston made a surprise appearance at a rally for Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford to reveal his government intends to introduce legislation to make trade easier with other provinces. Houston said his government's forthcoming bill will ensure any Canadian goods can be sold in Nova Scotia without further testing or red tape, as long as it's reciprocal. Ford is promising similar action if re-elected.
