Saskatchewan Premier Moe Urges Provinces Join New West Partnership

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is actively urging all Canadian provinces and territories to join the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA) to create a barrier-free interprovincial market and enhance domestic trade. Originally established in 2010 by Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, with Manitoba joining later, the NWPTA aims to reduce regulatory red tape and align trade, investment, and labor rules across member provinces. Moe emphasized that expanding the agreement is crucial for fostering free and fair trade, facilitating easier movement of goods and workers, and strengthening Canada’s economy amid ongoing tariff debates triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement provides more flexibility than the broader Canada Free Trade Agreement by allowing more business transactions without special approvals. Businesses such as Saskatoon-based Crestline have cited the NWPTA as instrumental in maintaining competitiveness and expanding operations across Western Canada. Moe’s call to action reflects a broader strategy to counter external trade pressures by consolidating internal market cooperation.