Discusses need to modernize trade within Canada to support businesses and consumers, strengthen the economy
June 17, 2014 – Ottawa – Industry Canada
Today, Industry Minister James Moore marked the beginning of a two-week national tour to engage businesses, consumers and everyday Canadians on government plans to modernize the 20-year-old Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT).
During today's roundtable discussion in Ottawa, Minister Moore championed Canada as a free-trading nation yet described how progress on trade within Canada has not kept up with the success of our international trade agreements. The Minister made clear that it should not be easier to trade with our international partners than within our own borders.
The Harper Government plans to work with the provinces and territories in examining a rewrite of the antiquated AIT to bring it in line with the current global economic reality. In particular, the roundtable participants discussed dismantling trade barriers and improving the AIT to enable small businesses to grow and to provide consumers with greater choice of goods and services.
Participants in Ottawa included representatives from the Canadian Council of Chief Executives, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the Canadian Apparel Federation, Beau's All Natural Brewing Co., the Greater Ottawa Truckers Association, Food Processors of Canada, the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada and Restaurant Les Fougères.
Follow @industrycanada on Twitter and let us know how internal trade is affecting your business using #internaltrade
Jake Enwright
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Industry
613-995-9001
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
media-relations@ic.gc.ca