British Columbia Premier David Eby has signed a series of new internal trade agreements aimed at boosting labour mobility, expanding market access, and strengthening Canada’s internal economy. The agreements were signed with Ontario, Manitoba, and Yukon during the Council of the Federation meeting held in Huntsville, Ontario.
The deal with Ontario focuses on making it easier for regulated professionals to work across both provinces. The two governments also agreed to work on a framework that would allow producers to sell alcoholic beverages directly to consumers, expanding choice and access for shoppers.
In Manitoba’s case, the agreement supports worker mobility and commits B.C. to allowing Manitoba-produced alcohol to be sold directly to B.C. consumers. Manitoba already permits this for B.C. producers.
With Yukon, the provinces are aligning standards for regulated occupations and continuing previous efforts to explore the connection of their electrical grids.
Eby says these agreements come at a time of growing economic uncertainty and signal a united effort to strengthen Canada’s internal trade and reduce reliance on foreign markets. Premiers from Ontario, Manitoba, and Yukon echoed the sentiment, calling the deals an important step toward economic resilience and greater cooperation between provinces and territories.
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