Ontario has signed a memorandum of understanding with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, the latest move to tear down trade barriers between provinces.
The agreement would allow goods and services to flow more easily between Ontario and the other provinces.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said interprovincial trade barriers increase the cost of everyday items.
“We’re taking a historic step forward to protect and unify our country, to build up Canada’s economy by tearing down internal trade barriers,” said Ford.
The move to interprovincial trade comes in response to tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, which prompted provinces to look to diversify where they sell goods to rely less on the U.S.
Nova Scotia first passed legislation to remove trade barriers with other provinces, but they have to opt in for it to work. P.E.I. is also working on legislation to remove trade barriers, and New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said that they have already removed some barriers without passing legislation, but they’re looking at what other barriers require legislation to be removed.
Ford mentioned some items like frozen pizzas have different testing standards in different places, but the new law would recognize the testing done in the other provinces.
“What is good for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick is good for the people of Ontario,” said Ford.
It would also make it easier for U.S. medical professionals to come to the province.
Ontario still has to pass the legislation for it to take effect.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston and New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt were in Ontario to sign the agreements.
Houston said this is a great day for our country.
“We have to act on this moment and make sure that we open up true free trade across Canada,” said Houston.
Holt echoed similar sentiments, saying many are worried about how the tariffs will impact them.
“Now we have an opportunity to take that uncertainty and act in ways that protect Canada, protect Ontario and protect New Brunswick,” Holt said.
