New Brunswick premier calls for ‘free trade area’ within Atlantic region

The call for Atlantic Canada to become a “free trade area” with a single market operating under one set of rules has been made by New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt. In a letter sent to the premiers of Nova Scotia, P.E.I., and Newfoundland and Labrador, Holt emphasized the importance of creating a seamless trading environment within the region.

The proposal aims to establish mutual recognition of regulations impacting the movement of goods, services, and people across the four provinces. By addressing barriers and irritants that currently hinder trade within Atlantic Canada, the goal is to enable businesses, investors, and workers to move freely across provincial borders.

New Brunswick is already taking steps to facilitate interprovincial trade, with legislative amendments allowing consumers to purchase liquor directly from other provinces and territories. Additionally, the province is streamlining the process for workers certified in other provinces to work in New Brunswick upon arrival, pending formal recognition of their qualifications.

The push for greater internal trade cooperation comes in response to threats of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, prompting federal and provincial governments to prioritize the removal of trade barriers. It is estimated that eliminating internal trade protections could increase productivity by up to seven percent and inject up to $200 billion into the domestic economy.

The federal government has committed to removing more than half of federal internal trade barriers to reduce reliance on the United States. All provinces and territories have expressed a willingness to expedite the process, with Atlantic Canada poised to lead the way in enhancing regional economic integration.

The upcoming meeting between the 13 premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney will focus on internal trade issues, highlighting the urgency of harmonizing regulations and fostering greater economic cooperation within Canada. As Atlantic Canada seeks to establish itself as a model for interprovincial trade, the potential benefits of a unified market are clear, promising increased efficiency, competitiveness, and prosperity for the region.