BC Premier David Eby has signed three separate trade agreements with Ontario, Manitoba and Yukon in order to remove trade barriers between the provinces and territory.
What this means is that British Columbian shoppers will soon have more choice in where the products they consume are from, while workers and professionals will have greater freedom to move between provinces.
Specifically, BC residents may begin to see more beer, spirits and wine coming in from these provinces and territory.
This move was prompted by tariffs imposed by United States President Donald Trump, and represents efforts for Canadian governments to work together to build up the Canadian economy while reducing reliance on the US.
“At a time when we’re facing an unprecedented attack on our economy, it’s more important than ever that we work together to remove trade barriers between provinces,” said Premier Eby.
“With these trade agreements, we’re making it easier to buy and sell our great Canadian products to our fellow Canadian neighbours. This is another important step towards building a stronger economy here at home – one that’s less reliant on the US and works better for people.”
According to the Province, the agreement with Ontario will make it easier for people in regulated trades and professions to work in either province.
Additionally, BC and Ontario agreed to build a framework for a direct-to-consumer system for alcoholic beverages, so producers will have easier access to markets, while consumers will get more choice.
Meanwhile, the agreement with Manitoba included measures to increase the mobility of regulated workers and professionals.
Furthermore, BC has agreed to also allow alcoholic beverages from Manitoba to be sold directly to BC consumers.
Yukon’s agreement to remove trade barriers had provisions for aligning standards for regulated occupations and registration processes.
These provincial and territorial trade agreements were signed during a gathering of all 13 provincial and territorial premiers at this month’s Council of the Federation meeting in Huntsville, Ontario.
According to the Province, Premier Eby engaged in discussions with the other premiers about health, public safety, energy security, labour mobility, immigration, Canada-US relations, sovereignty and national security, emergency management, energy security as well as international and internal trade.
