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Premier Doug Ford was joined by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz to sign Memorandums of Understanding advancing efforts to knock down barriers to trade across Canada. Ontario now has MOUs with six other provinces coming out of the First Ministers meeting last week.
Ontario’s agreements with Manitoba, Saskatchewan and P.E.I. commit each province to recognizing the worker certifications of the other. So a tradesperson registered in any of these provinces should be able to work in Ontario, and vice versa.
“With President Trump threatening our economy, there’s never been a more important time to boost internal trade and cooperation between provinces,” said premier Ford. “By signing these agreements and working together, we’re helping Canada unlock up to $200 billion in economic potential and standing shoulder to shoulder to protect the future of Canadian workers across the country, not just in Ontario.”
To further break down trade barriers, the Ontario government recently introduced the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act. With this new legislation and a growing number of signed memorandums, Ontario says it is seeking to expanding the trade of goods and services across Canadian jurisdictions, cutting unnecessary red tape holding back Canadian businesses and opening new pathways for the movement of qualified, in-demand workers throughout the country. Ontario has eliminated all party-specific exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.
“Together, Alberta and Ontario are taking a big step toward a more open, competitive and united economy,” said premier Smith. “This agreement is about getting results, making it easier for people to work, do business and grow across provincial lines. It’s time to stop letting outdated rules hold us back and show Canadians what real economic leadership looks like.”
“Prince Edward Island may be Canada’s smallest province, but we’re punching well above our weight,” said premier Lantz. “With our reciprocal Interprovincial Trade and Mobility Act, we’re not just keeping pace — we’re setting the standard and securing our future. Prince Edward Island has unified this nation before and by eliminating unnecessary trade barriers and streamlining labour mobility, we’re fostering a more unified and competitive national economy. Our collaboration with Ontario underscores our commitment to one Canadian economy. Together, we’re proving that when provinces work in concert, the entire nation thrives.”
Two-way trade in goods and services between Ontario and other provinces and territories was worth over $326 billion in 2023. The Ontario government will continue to work with its federal, provincial and territorial partners through the Canadian Free Trade Agreement and other trade-enhancing initiatives to advance interprovincial trade across Canada.
Ontario is launching a new $50 million Ontario Together Trade Fund to assist local businesses in taking advantage of new interprovincial trade opportunities.