Ottawa removes all federal exceptions from Canadian Free Trade Agreement
The federal government of Canada has announced that it has successfully removed all interprovincial trade barriers under its jurisdiction. This significant milestone was achieved by eliminating the remaining federal exceptions from the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), as stated by Internal Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland in a press release on Monday.
A total of 53 exceptions were removed, with a focus on procurement, according to the press release. This move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Canadian economy and promote free trade within the country. The statement emphasized the federal government’s commitment to working with provinces and territories to enhance the CFTA, promote mutual recognition, and facilitate seamless labor mobility across Canada.
During the recent federal election campaign, Liberal leader Mark Carney made repeated promises to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers and establish free trade by Canada Day. While progress has been made in removing federal barriers, some challenges still remain. For example, Canada’s supply management system for dairy products, which includes provincial production quotas, will continue to exist. Additionally, Quebec’s language requirements will remain in place.
Despite these remaining obstacles, provinces have taken steps to reduce their own interprovincial trade barriers in recent months. This collaborative effort between the federal government and provincial authorities underscores the importance of promoting economic growth and increasing trade opportunities within Canada.
In conclusion, the removal of federal interprovincial trade barriers is a significant achievement that will benefit businesses and consumers across the country. By working together to streamline trade regulations and promote free trade, Canada is taking a proactive stance towards economic prosperity and increased competitiveness on the global stage.
