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Winnipeg Free Press

Manitoba sets example on trade: CFIB

Manitoba is maintaining its position as a national leader on internal trade, a new report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business finds. The keystone province received an 'A-' from the CFIB in its State of Internal Trade report, released Monday. Only Nova Scotia and Ontario scored higher, with each province earning an 'A.' (Manitoba had topped last year's list with an 'A-.') Ryan Mallough, CFIB vice-president of legislative affairs and communications, said, generally speaking, the organization has seen positive action across the country in the last year. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES Chuck Davidson, president and CEO of Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, believes Manitoba is heading in the right direction with regards to internal trade. More progress has been made on removing trade barriers within Canada in the past six months than in eight years since the Canadian Free Trade Agreement was signed. 'This year's blown other years out of the water, in terms of progress,' Mallough said, noting the contentious trade relationship between Canada and the U.S. in recent months has given political urgency to internal trade. According to the CFIB, Manitoba sets a strong example by permitting direct-to-consumer alcohol shipments and through Bill 47, its new Fair Trade in Canada Act, which simplifies recognition of goods and services from other provinces. Manitoba has also signed agreements with Ontario and British Columbia to accelerate recognition of goods, services and professional credentials. Despite Manitoba's improvements, challenges remain, per a CFIB news release. Issues such as duplicate regulations, slow approval timelines and a lack of trade-enabling infrastructure continue to hamper the movement of goods, services and labour. The CFIB critiqued the Fair Trade in Canada Act for excluding labour mobility — a point echoed by Chuck Davidson, president of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. The more provinces and territories do to make the rules that regulate workers consistent, the better, he said. Manitoba's position as an internal trade leader is 'a good sign,' Davidson said in response to the CFIB report. 'We're heading in the right direction.' Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses said the province already has a labour mobility act, and addressing labour mobility in Bill 47 would have created red tape. 'Our bill is very much in line with breaking down barriers for Manitoba businesses to reach markets right across the country,' Moses said. Manitoba Progressive Conservative finance critic Lauren Stone was not available for comment Monday. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. Looking ahead, Mallough said Manitoba can improve by implementing its mutual recognition legislation. Seven different jurisdictions in Canada are taking seven different approaches to mutual recognition, he added, so the CFIB is cautious in its optimism. The premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney have instructed the Committee on Internal Trade to reach a pan-Canadian mutual recognition agreement for December — and the CFIB will be watching those conversations closely. 'Everybody seems to want to get this done and that's what has been the most encouraging over these last six months,' Mallough said. 'At the same time … we want to make sure we don't lose that political momentum. We have not crossed the goal line yet.' Aaron EppReporter Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.