Poilievre pitches plan to boost internal trade to counter Trump tariffs

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has unveiled a plan to boost internal trade in Canada, aiming to increase the country’s GDP by over $200 billion if he becomes prime minister. This initiative comes in response to the 25 per cent tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump on Canadian imports, including a 10 per cent tariff on energy imports. Poilievre views these tariffs as a wake-up call for provinces to collaborate and enhance trade within Canada.

In a statement, Poilievre emphasized the need for Canada to become more self-reliant and less dependent on external forces like the United States. The Conservative Party acknowledges that boosting internal trade alone will not fully offset the economic impact of Trump’s tariffs but believes it will reduce Canada’s reliance on external factors.

The plan outlined by Poilievre consists of four key components:

1. Convening a meeting with Canada’s premiers within 30 days of assuming office to address trade barriers.
2. Developing a national standard for trucking regulations to promote east-west shipping over north-south routes.
3. Establishing a universal professional qualification for doctors, nurses, and engineers to practice across all provinces.
4. Offering a “free trade bonus” to provinces that eliminate trade barriers, funded by increased trade revenue resulting from barrier removal.

Poilievre has emphasized the negative impact of interprovincial trade barriers, citing job losses and consumer price hikes. He advocates for dismantling these barriers to transform Canada into a more freely trading economy.

A 2019 report by the International Monetary Fund identified four categories of trade barriers in Canada: natural, prohibitive, technical, and regulatory barriers. While the Canadian Free Trade Agreement signed in 2017 aimed to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, numerous exemptions and complexities persist across provinces and territories.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and provincial leaders have been engaging in discussions to address Trump’s tariffs and prioritize the removal of internal trade barriers. Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand highlighted the potential benefits of eliminating these barriers, including price reductions of up to 15 per cent, a productivity increase of up to seven per cent, and a GDP boost of $200 billion.

The Conservative Party’s proposal to enhance internal trade aligns with ongoing efforts to streamline trade within Canada and reduce barriers that hinder economic growth. By fostering greater interprovincial cooperation and standardization, Poilievre aims to strengthen Canada’s economic resilience and promote domestic prosperity.