Ontario, B.C., territories announce agreements to boost internal trade

Ontario, British Columbia, Nunavut, Yukon and the Northwest Territories have announced agreements to boost internal trade, improve labour mobility and remove barriers to doing business together. 

Canada’s premiers are meeting in Huntsville, Ont., about trade, U.S. tariff threats and other issues, and a statement from the five leaders announced the signings of two separate memorandums of understanding. 

Ontario and B.C., and Ontario and the three territories, have signed separate agreements that Premier Doug Ford says will help Canada unlock about $200 billion in economic potential. 

A statement from the premiers says the provinces and territories are working together to eliminate red tape, cut business costs and open new ways for skilled workers to move freely across the country. 

Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan also signed a memorandum of understanding calling for the construction of new pipelines using Ontario steel.

Ford called this morning’s agreement a “game changer” that focuses on shipping western oil to refineries in southern Ontario and a new deep sea port in James Bay.

The agreement also calls for new rail lines to be built to help ship critical minerals from yet-to-be approved mines in Ontario’s Ring of Fire region to Western Canada. Alberta and Ontario agreed earlier this month to study the development of new pipeline and rail corridors connecting the provinces.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she’s heard from Carney that he wants to make Canada an energy superpower, and she wants him to remove “nine bad laws” she says hurt Canada’s business investment climate.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says that he wants to hear from Carney on how port capacity can be expanded to get more exports to overseas markets and reduce Canada’s reliance on U.S. trade.

Ontario deals

The deals announced Monday mean Ontario has signed agreements with all Canadian provinces, and territories. 

Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton says their agreement will help ensure the territories can fully participate in and contribute to Canada’s economy. 

B.C. Premier David Eby says when Ontario and B.C. team up to take down trade barriers, it’s good for workers and businesses. 

“Between our provinces, we have more than half of the population of the country. This agreement is key to unlocking one Canadian economy,” Eby said in the statement. 

Bill C-5, which received royal assent last month, also aims to eliminate federal barriers to interprovincial trade.