P.E.I. premier Rob Lantz shares plan to ease flow of goods, workers among provinces

The Prince Edward Island government has unveiled its strategy to reduce trade barriers with other provinces, a move prompted by the necessity to explore new markets amidst the looming threat of tariffs from the Trump administration in the United States.

Premier Rob Lantz personally presented the proposed Interprovincial Trade and Mobility Act to the legislature on Friday. The legislation aims to facilitate the movement of goods to and from other provinces and simplify the process for workers in certain regulated professions to secure employment on the Island.

This initiative follows in the footsteps of Nova Scotia, which implemented similar legislation in February to stimulate economic growth in response to President Donald Trump’s hints at initiating a trade war involving Canada.

“This Nova Scotia legislation that we’re reciprocating has been held up as the gold standard, and the simplest and quickest way for us to reduce interprovincial trade barriers,” stated Premier Lantz. “I believe we’re the first province to reciprocate to Nova Scotia, and I’m really looking forward to moving it through the legislature.”

The prominence of dismantling interprovincial trade barriers has heightened as a potential tactic to mitigate the losses incurred from Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods. These barriers typically manifest as standards, regulations, or educational qualifications mandated in different provinces, hindering or impeding trade.

Under P.E.I.’s proposed act, the province will acknowledge inspections and standards on goods originating from a reciprocating jurisdiction, which presently only includes Nova Scotia.

In addition to facilitating the transfer of food and agricultural products, Premier Lantz emphasized the necessity for federal involvement in addressing the constraints imposed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) on these movements.

“We inspect food production facilities here in the province, we move food all around the province and sell it to Islanders,” the premier remarked. “I don’t see anybody getting poisoned here, and there’s no reason why we can’t sell our products across the Confederation Bridge.”

The bill also seeks to expedite the credentialing process for most regulated professions, such as teachers and tradespeople. However, exceptions are made for lawyers and health-care professionals due to their distinct regulatory frameworks for practicing in P.E.I.

While details remain scarce, Premier Lantz indicated ongoing efforts to streamline the credentialing of health-care workers, given their high demand in the region.

Though the bill is still pending a vote, Premier Lantz aims to have it ready by July 1 to align with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s commitment to achieving “free trade by Canada Day.”

By prioritizing the reduction of trade barriers and enhancing labor mobility, Prince Edward Island aims to fortify its economic resilience and foster greater interprovincial cooperation.