Quick Facts:
- Nearly 90% of small businesses believe it is crucial for Canadian governments to prioritize the removal of barriers that impede the flow of goods, services, and labour across provinces and territories.
- A report, commissioned by Alberta’s government, explored the benefits of mutual recognition as a solution to breaking internal trade barriers. The report finds mutual recognition could increase Canada’s economy between 4.4% and 7.9% over the long-term ─ between $110 and $200 billion per year.
- Total interprovincial exports were valued at $418 billion in 2023.
- Inconsistencies between jurisdictions create unnecessary differences that act as barriers to trade, raising the operating costs and the cost to consumers.
Working Toward Solutions:
CFA has identified that the two largest obstacles to interprovincial or domestic trade are differing provincial transportation regulations and inconsistencies between provincial and federal inspections requirements at meat processing facilities.
During the 2025 election CFA advocated for the removal of interprovincial trade barriers that limit economic growth and competitiveness, and were pleased to see this goal echoed by the government.