Minister Moore Reinforces Need for Open and Efficient Trade in Canada

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Sept. 9, 2014) - Industry Canada

Industry Minister James Moore today addressed the Alberta Enterprise Group's Forging Partnerships conference about the Harper Government's commitment to breaking down internal trade barriers that harm the national economy and hurt Canadian businesses, workers and consumers.

During his address, Minister Moore outlined One Canada, One National Economy: Modernizing Internal Trade in Canada, the federal proposal to update the current Agreement on Internal Trade. It was developed following Minister Moore's recent national dialogue with Canadian businesses, workers and consumers, during which he heard first-hand how these barriers impede trade and deter competition in our national economy.

Minister Moore also met with his counterpart from the Province of Alberta to discuss regional internal trade issues such as credential recognition across provinces, which is an issue for apprentices because training programs are not consistently aligned across all the provinces and territories.

At the Council of the Federation meeting, the premiers agreed to the comprehensive renewal of the Agreement on Internal Trade. The Government of Canada will continue to work with the provinces and territories to reform the Agreement, bringing it in line with the current global economic reality.

Quick facts

• When the Agreement on Internal Trade came into effect nearly 20 years ago, Canada had concluded trade agreements with only two countries. Today, we have agreements in force or being finalized with 43 countries, giving Canadian businesses preferential access to over 1.1 billion consumers worldwide.
• One Canada, One National Economy: Modernizing Internal Trade in Canada outlines two potential paths for federal, provincial and territorial partners to advance a modern internal trade framework: targeted reform that addresses priority areas of concern or a complete redesign of the Agreement on Internal Trade to bring it in line with recent international trade agreements.
• Nearly 40 percent of Canada's trade occurs within its borders.
• A request for proposals to create a new Internal Trade Barriers Index was launched on September 5, 2014. As outlined in Economic Action Plan 2014, the index will increase knowledge of the barriers to domestic trade and help governments identify priority areas for action.

Quotes

"Credential recognition is one of a number of trade issues that businesses, workers and consumers face here in Alberta. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated situation; these types of barriers exist in provinces and territories across the country. After the dialogue at the Council of the Federation meeting, I'm encouraged by the support among provinces and territories to strengthen Canada's internal market. I look forward to continuing to work with my provincial and territorial counterparts to open trade within Canada."

- James Moore, Minister of Industry

"Alberta Enterprise Group (AEG) has long been an advocate for freer trade around the world and within Canada. Not only are AEG members striving to reach new markets for their products, but they are also seeking to expand their supply chains across Canada. Tearing down trade barriers within Canada will help extend the economic benefits of resource development in Alberta to all Canadians. We stand squarely behind Minister Moore in his effort to modernize the Agreement on Internal Trade."

- Josh Bilyk, President, Alberta Enterprise Group

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