As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario workers and businesses, we’re leading the nation in tearing down internal trade barriers that cost the Canadian economy up to $200 billion every year.
As the first and only province to remove all of our party-specific exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, we have proven that Ontario leads, not follows, when it comes to breaking down the barriers that have held our economy back for decades.
By signing onto the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement and passing the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act, our province’s own internal trade legislation, we’re ensuring that a good or service approved for use in one province will be automatically recognized as equivalent in Ontario.
We’ve also moved quickly to introduce new ‘As of Right’ rules that allow certified professionals from other provinces and territories to start working in Ontario within just 10 business days, once their credentials and requirements are confirmed by the regulator.
Last month, we signed a landmark Canada-wide Direct-to-Consumer Alcohol Sales Agreement with eight other provinces allowing consumers to purchase alcohol directly from local producers in other provinces, including breweries, wineries and distilleries. This expands choice for consumers across Canada and opens new markets for Ontario manufacturers.
In the face of new tariff threats, it has never been more important for the rest of Canada to follow Ontario’s lead in tearing down the interprovincial trade barriers that hold our economy back.