Canadian Chamber Statement on the Urgent Need to Prioritize Internal Trade

Today’s discussions during the First Ministers Meeting on rapidly advancing interprovincial trade are a move in the right direction. This is an issue the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has long championed. It’s a serious win for every province and territory when the whole Canadian economy grows.

But talk needs to turn into action. It shouldn’t be easier for Ontario to trade with Florida than with Saskatchewan. Breaking down outdated, self-imposed barriers is one of the biggest economic opportunities we have—and it’s one we can’t afford to waste.

Interprovincial trade drives one-fifth of Canada’s GDP, yet internal trade barriers still act like a 21% tariff. Removing them could boost GDP per capita by 4%. That’s real growth—right here at home—at a time when businesses and workers need it most. Internal trade must be a key aspect of our Canada-U.S. trade strategy—let’s control what we can control.

Next week’s urgent meeting on internal trade will be critical. It will be a chance for governments to deliver real change and seize this moment to tear down barriers, protect Canadian jobs, and build a truly united economy that works for Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

• Matthew Holmes, Executive Vice President, International and Chief of Public Policy, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce — The Future of Business Success 

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s largest and most activated business network — representing over 400 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and more than 200,000 business of all sizes, from all sectors of the economy and from every part of the country — working to create the conditions for our collective success. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the undisputed champion and catalyst for the future of business success. From working with government on economy-friendly policy to providing services that inform commerce and enable trade, we give each of our members more of what they need to succeed: insight into markets, competitors and trends, influence over the decisions and policies that drive business success, and impact on business and economic performance.   

Media Contact

Shane Mackenzie
Vice President, Media and Stakeholder Communications
613.302.7683
smackenzie@chamber.ca

Rewa Mourad
Public Relations Specialist
rmourad@chamber.ca