Canada may well have trade deals with 43 countries, but trade between Canadian provinces is severely restricted, and that is something the federal industry minister wants to change. The Globe and Mail reports Industry Minister James Moore begins a six-city tour today to try to convince provincial counterparts, consumers and businesses to remove some of the restrictions.
For example, Canadian workers in areas like construction are often blocked from taking jobs outside their own provinces. Barriers prohibit the sale of wine between provinces, and there are restrictions over who can bid for government contracts. These barriers were put in place to protect local businesses. But they now mean that a German company, for example, may soon find it easier to land a government contract in Ontario, than would a company from another Canadian province.
Moore will not be the first to try to defeat provincial trade barriers. Several politicians have tried before him. Nonetheless, he will meet with his provincial counterparts in August to try to hammer out an internal trade deal.
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