N.B. government looks to knock down more internal trade barriers

N.B. Premier Susan Holt speaks with reporters on Oct. 20, 2025. (Nick Moore/CTV News Atlantic)

The New Brunswick government is hopeful new legislation will make it easier for their province’s products to be sold across Canada as it continues to target internal trade barriers.

The proposed Free Trade within Canada Act, if passed, will ensure goods and services that are approved for sale in other Canadian jurisdictions will be recognized as meeting standards in New Brunswick, according to a news release from the province.

“We’ve taken several ambitious steps to improve trade between New Brunswick and other Canadian jurisdictions, and to create better conditions for our businesses, making it easier for them to succeed in other markets within Canada,” said Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours in the release. “This legislation further complements the work we have already done to diversify trade during these uncertain times.”

The legislation would also allow New Brunswick products to be sold more easily in provinces with similar legislation, including Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

“This is an important step towards realizing the benefits of one Canadian economy, providing local businesses with new market access opportunities, and creating growth opportunities for our provincial economy,” said Luke Randall, the minister responsible for Opportunities NB.

Earlier this year, New Brunswick signed memorandums of understanding to improve free trade and labour mobility with Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador.

-With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Haeley DiRisio

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.