Canada’s first ministers have committed to reducing internal trade barriers and improving labor mobility to strengthen the domestic economy in response to the U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian goods last week.
One of key priorities will be harmonizing regulations in sectors such as trucking and consumer goods, making it easier for businesses to operate across provinces.
“We must increase our economic resilience, reduce dependence on one market, and strengthen our domestic economy for the benefit of Canadian workers and businesses now and in the future,” the first ministers said in a joint statement.
The first ministers endorsed a review of exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, with a report expected by June 1, 2025.
Most ministers also committed to allowing direct-to-consumer alcohol sales for Canadian products, which they say will benefit businesses and citizens by opening new domestic markets, reducing the cost of consumer goods at a time when U.S. tariffs will impact affordability.
To improve labor mobility, the first ministers directed the Committee on Internal Trade to work with the Forum of Labor Market Ministers to develop a national service standard of 30 days or less for credential recognition. A plan is expected by June 1, with jurisdictional differences, such as language provisions, considered.
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