B.C. plans 'substantive changes' for interprovincial trade

Minister for Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Diana Gibson meets Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin during the swearing-in ceremony at Government House in Victoria, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

VICTORIA — British Columbia plans to enter a meeting with other provinces next week prepared to make “substantive changes” to its interprovincial trade barriers as the threat of hefty U.S. tariffs looms, Economic Development Minister Diana Gibson said.

Gibson met virtually Friday with her provincial counterparts on the Committee on Internal Trade and said they were committed to reducing trade barriers within the country.

“We have come together with an incredible energy and commitment to meet this moment to help reduce barriers to trade, so that movements of goods and services across our provinces can help unlock economic development and support jobs and economic diversity,” she said in an interview after the meeting.

The group is set to meet in person in Toronto next Friday.

Gibson said if there is a national commitment to reduce barriers, B.C. will “do whatever is necessary” and put forward legislation if that’s what is required.

On Thursday, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said his province would table legislation to reduce interprovincial trade barriers.

A statement from federal Minister of Internal Trade Anita Anand on Friday said the virtual meeting focused on steps being taken to eliminate exceptions to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, making it easier for businesses to access financial services, removing administrative barriers and making it easier for workers to move between jurisdictions.

“The discussions between the provinces and territories are energetic, and we are working at an unprecedented rate towards removing barriers to internal trade and labour mobility, for Canadian workers and businesses to succeed,” Anand said.

Gibson would not discuss the specific changes to its free trade exceptions that B.C. was considering but said ideas in other discussions have included recognition of certifications for workers including roofers and teachers.

Gibson said B.C. had been working with other provinces to cut red-tape barriers created by differences and duplication of standards and certifications.

“(We’re) really starting to feel like there’s a commitment there to engage in new ways and see progress when we come together next Friday,” she said.

Randall Zalazar, director of government relations for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said it was time for premiers to seize the momentum on internal trade.

“At a time of growing economic uncertainty, reducing trade barriers can provide a much-needed boost, bringing forward our economic potential in the face of (U.S.) President (Donald) Trump’s threatened tariffs,” he said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 21, 2025.

Marcy Nicholson and Ashley Joannou, The Canadian Press