The Manitoba government is removing some barriers to trade within Canada. It's doing this by removing more exemptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) and the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA).
Economic Development, Investment, and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen made the announcement today, saying that the reduced restrictions could help increase Canada's real GDP by over four percent.
“As part of our government’s ongoing focus on growing our economy and securing the good jobs so necessary for prosperity and expanding social services, Manitoba continues to be the national leader in reducing internal trade barriers within Canada.”
Last year, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business recognized Manitoba's earlier work in this area in their 2022 report card. Manitoba shared the top grade on that card, and now the government is furthering that work with yesterday's announcement.
The Manitoba government is removing additional exceptions under the CFTA including naming and business activity restrictions for corporations providing land-surveying services in Manitoba, office and practice location requirements for inter-jurisdictional law firms, and residency requirements for individuals applying for wild rice harvesting and export licences (also removed from NWPTA).
Cullen says that with these new removals, Manitoba will now have the lowest remaining CFTA and labour mobility exceptions in Canada.
“As Canadians face ongoing affordability concerns and economic challenges, Manitoba continues to lead by example and will keep pushing for necessary progress across the country."
The CFTA seeks to enhance trade, investment, and labour mobility within Canada through the free movement of persons, goods, services, and investments within an open, efficient and stable domestic market.
