‘I’d rather stay in Canada': Premiers aim to remove interprovincial trade barriers

As Canada-U.S. trade relations falter, Canadian leaders say they want to make it easier to do business across provincial boundaries.

As Canada-U.S. trade relations falter, Canadian leaders say they want to make it easier to do business across our own provincial boundaries.

First ministers have all agreed to reduce interprovincial trade barriers this spring.

The first ministers agree that in the midst of escalating trade tension, it’s time to focus on Canada.

“There are a huge number of areas where we can do work, where we’re already collaborating, and that will address our shared interest in increasing prosperity for the whole country,” said British Columbia Premier David Eby.

With U.S. relations on shaky ground, Canada wants to reduce interprovincial trade barriers.

The premiers and prime minister believe reducing red tape would allow Canadian-made goods and services to move freely coast to coast to coast.

“Regional autonomy is great, but because every jurisdiction is allowed to be so different, it makes things incredibly difficult when they come to the negotiation table,” said Seorhin Yoo, a senior policy analyst of interprovincial affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

Though governments talk in general terms with no real concrete examples of what needs to change, experts claim fewer barriers could boost the Canadian economy by more than $200 billion.

“That’s not a small drop in the bucket,” said Yoo. “It can definitely soften the blow for a lot of Canadians.”

In Calgary, Tracy Robinson, the president and CEO of CN Rail, says lessening the reliance on other nations can’t hurt in the long term.

“We could be looking back from a spot where we’ve strengthened our borders, where we’ve improved our internal trade and we’ve diversified our trade with other nations,” Robinson said.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance said this week many fleets are reporting recent or imminent job cuts thanks to the tariff threat.

Doing away with provincial protectionism, one driver said, could be a way to help.

“Why don’t we do it ourselves?” asked Nate Douglas, a hot shot truck driver. “We’ve got enough land. Why not do it? Create our own jobs and everything like that.”

Workers CTV News spoke to said they’re all for any plan that could cut back the long hours they spend at border crossings.

“I’d rather stay in Canada,” said Douglas. “I want to help build our own country.”

The newfound interprovincial co-operation isn’t just about the movement of goods and services either. It’s also about Canadian workers.

One of the most common complaints heard across the country is about certified professionals with credentials in one province moving across the country and having to be recertified.

The first ministers say everyone from health professionals to tradespeople should be able to work anywhere in Canada.

They say a credential recognition plan will be drawn up and should be in place by June 1.

With files from The Canadian Press