The Manitoba government is taking further action to reduce interprovincial trade barriers by removing more exemptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) and the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA).
“As part of our government’s ongoing focus on growing our economy and securing the good jobs so necessary for prosperity and expanding social services, Manitoba continues to be the national leader in reducing internal trade barriers within Canada,” said Economic Development, Investment and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen.
Reducing internal trade and mobility restrictions could increase Canada’s real gross domestic product by over 4 per cent, the equivalent of over $1,500 for every Canadian family. The Manitoba government’s earlier work in this area was recognized by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business in its 2022 report card, in which the province shared the top grade, the minister noted. Now the Manitoba government is removing additional exceptions under the CFTA including:
- naming and business activity restrictions for corporations providing land-surveying services in Manitoba;
- office and practice location requirements for inter-jurisdictional law firms; and
- residency requirements for individuals applying for wild rice harvesting and export licences (also removed from NWPTA).
With the implementation of these latest trade barrier reductions, Manitoba will have the lowest remaining CFTA and labour mobility exceptions in Canada.
“As Canadians face ongoing affordability concerns and economic challenges, Manitoba continues to lead by example and will keep pushing for necessary progress across the country,” added Cullen.
The government of Canada and all provinces and territories are parties to the CFTA. It seeks to enhance trade, investment, and labour mobility within Canada through the free movement of persons, goods, services and investments within an open, efficient and stable domestic market. All trade in Canada falls within the CFTA and occurs without restriction unless specifically exempted by a general or specific government exception. Along with British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, Manitoba is also part of NWPTA, to form the largest regional Canadian market dedicated to free trade with less restrictions.
