The True Post (Web News) All of Canada’s provinces, territories, and the federal government have signed a significant and historic agreement to remove barriers to domestic trade.
The agreement will take effect on December 1, ending interprovincial trade restrictions on most products except food and alcohol. B.C. Minister of Employment and Economic Development Ravi Kahlon said the agreement will free trade across the country from unnecessary approvals and labeling requirements. He said if a product is approved for sale under one province’s rules, it can be sold across the country without additional inspections or permits. The agreement covers thousands of items, including clothing, toys, vehicles, industrial equipment and health technology. Bridget Anderson, president of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, welcomed the development, saying the business community has been demanding for years that products approved in one province be acceptable in all provinces. Ravi Kahlon added that the scope of the agreement could be expanded to food, alcohol and financial services in the future, but the regulatory complexities of these sectors will take time to implement.
