Ontario, Manitoba Sign Agreement to Reduce Interprovincial Trade Barriers

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew have signed a memorandum of understanding to reduce interprovincial trade barriers and enhance the flow of goods, services, and labor between their provinces. The agreement, which includes provisions such as direct-to-consumer alcohol sales and improved labor mobility, aims to boost economic opportunities amid ongoing tariff tensions with the United States. Ontario has already signed similar trade agreements with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and is pursuing legislation to eliminate internal trade barriers unconditionally. The premiers emphasized that these efforts are part of a broader goal to strengthen Canada's economy, potentially adding up to $200 billion to the national GDP by fostering true free trade within the country. In 2021, the trade value between Ontario and Manitoba stood at $19.5 billion, highlighting the significance of their economic relationship. Both premiers encouraged other provinces to adopt reciprocal measures to remove trade barriers across Canada.