Strengthening our country's national economy through open and efficient trade
September 5, 2014 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Industry Canada
Industry Minister James Moore today addressed the Vancouver Board of Trade about the Harper Government's commitment to breaking down internal trade barriers that harm the national economy and hurt Canadian businesses, workers and consumers.
During the luncheon address, Minister Moore announced the launch of a request for proposals to engage Canada's expertise in creating an Internal Trade Barriers Index. This index will play a key role in identifying measures that restrict trade and in better determining priority areas to make real progress on improving internal trade in Canada.
The Minister also outlined One Canada, One National Economy: Modernizing Internal Trade in Canada, the federal proposal to update the current Agreement on Internal Trade. The proposal puts forward options for enhancing trade within Canada and was developed following Minister Moore's recent national dialogue with Canadian businesses, workers and consumers, during which he heard first-hand how these barriers impede trade and deter competition in our national economy.
At the recent Council of the Federation meeting, the premiers agreed to the comprehensive renewal of the Agreement on Internal Trade. The Government of Canada will continue to work with the provinces and territories to reform the Agreement, bringing it in line with the current global economic reality.
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
