N.S. premier tables bill to allow, encourage free interprovincial trade

N.S. Premier Tim Houston has tabled legislation to break down inter-provincial trade barriers.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston introduced the Free Trade and Mobility within Canada Act Tuesday aimed at opening up more trade opportunities within Canada to move goods and services easier.

It all comes in the wake of the looming threat of further tariffs being placed on Canadian goods destined for export to the United States.

Houston says Nova Scotia is sending the message that the province is open for business.

“We want other provinces and territories to know that Nova Scotia is open for business and we’re ready to partner with other Canadian jurisdictions who are ready to do business with us,” said Houston.

The Free Trade and Mobility within Canada Act is being touted as a first-of-its-kind in Canada, said Houston. He’s hopeful this opens the door for other provinces and territories to get on board.

As designed, the act will allow free trade of goods and services made in Canada to be sold in Nova Scotia without the need for further testing or red tape with other reciprocating provinces and territories.

“If it’s good enough for another province, then it is good enough for Nova Scotia,” said Houston. “But of course it is a two-way street.”

All regulated professions would be recognized under the act, like health-care professionals and those working in skilled trades, to allow for the free movement of labour across the country.

Houston said he is continuing discussions with other premiers and first ministers but says tabling the bill is a good first start and expects to build trade agreements from there.

“I’ve had some discussions with Ontario and just reached out to all my premier colleagues yesterday,” said Houston.

Houston says tabling the bill is an important first step. He anticipates having deeper discussions and getting agreements with his provincial counterparts will come.

“I am excited and optimistic is what I would have to say,” said Houston.

Nova Scotia NDP Leader Claudie Chender said the interprovincial trading plan is a good start in dealing with the threat of tariffs, which is already impacting Nova Scotians. However, her party wants to know what the bigger plan is.

“From support for workers to important changes in procurement, we need to know what the plan is to help Nova Scotians weather the oncoming storm,” said Chender.

“Removing barriers on interprovincial trade is one important step but we must ensure that we have a comprehensive plan in place with input from representatives from labour, industry and rural communities.”

The Nova Scotia branch of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business applauds Houston’s plan, calling it groundbreaking for internal trade.

“Nova Scotia’s Free Trade and Mobility within Canada Act proposes the largest step forward towards breaking down Canada’s internal trade barriers since the Canadian Free Trade Agreement was signed in 2017,” said Duncan Robertson, CFIB’s Nova Scotia director of legislative Affairs.

“Adopting mutual recognition policies for reciprocating jurisdictions is a forward-thinking approach and demonstrates strong leadership in reducing barriers and fostering a more seamless, freer market across Canada.”

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