Highlights importance of open and efficient domestic trade for Canadian businesses and consumers
June 19, 2014 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – Industry Canada
Industry Minister James Moore was in Halifax today as part of his national tour to engage businesses, consumers and everyday Canadians on the government's plans to break down the barriers to trade within Canada that cripple the national economy and hurt Canadian consumers and businesses.
Minister Moore, in his address to the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, 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 reinforced that it should not be easier to trade with our international partners than within our own borders. In particular, he highlighted the Harper Government's plans to work with the provinces and territories in examining a rewrite of the antiquated Agreement on Internal Trade to bring it in line with the current global economic reality.
Minister Moore also met with his counterpart from the Province of Nova Scotia and with local business leaders, who discussed regional internal trade issues such as credential recognition across provinces. This is an issue for apprentices, including those in Nova Scotia, because training programs are not consistently aligned across Atlantic Canada or across the country.
The Minister also visited a Halifax-based brewing company, Garrison Brewing Co., where he heard first-hand about the challenges it faces with provincial regulations and marketing its products in other provinces.
Follow @industrycanada on Twitter and use #internaltrade to let us know how internal trade is affecting your business.
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