Supporting legislation

The imposition by the United States of tariffs on Canada has underscored the urgency to address longstanding internal trade barriers that have fragmented our economy and limited opportunities for Canadians, Canadian businesses and workers.

Through the One Canadian Economy Act, the government is removing federal internal trade barriers and advancing national interest projects. It provides a framework to strengthen the Canadian economy, diversify our trade relations and increase domestic productivity, resilience, and competitiveness.

The One Canadian Economy Act, was introduced on June 6, 2025, and received Royal Assent on June 26, 2025, including the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act, and the Building Canada Act.

From thirteen to one Canadian economy

Canada can no longer take for granted the traditional economic and trade relationships we once relied on. As Canadians, it’s time to build big, build bold, and build now to maximize our economic potential and make Canada stronger at home and abroad.

We are building one strong Canadian economy by:

• Removing federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility, helping goods, services, and workers move freely across provinces and territories.
• Expediting nation-building projects that will connect and transform our country and unleash economic growth while ensuring environmental protections and Indigenous rights are upheld.
• Working with Indigenous Peoples through consultation and engagement to build shared prosperity.

Unleashing Canada’s economic potential

One of the most common issues raised by Canadian business and industry across the country are regulatory differences between federal, provincial, and territorial governments.

A 2022 Macdonald-Laurier Institute study, Liberalizing Internal Trade Through Mutual Recognition: A Legal and Economic Analysis estimated that if all federal, provincial and territorial barriers to internal trade are removed, we could expand the Canadian economy by $200 billion. This represents up to $5,000 for every Canadian.

Once implemented, the Free Trade and Labour Mobility Act will help address federal barriers, and will build on similar efforts by provinces and territories.

Building at speeds not seen in a generation

One Canadian economy is also about seeing national interest projects built at speeds not seen in generations. It will position Canada to become an energy superpower in both clean and conventional energy, while strengthening our borders and our communities. National interest projects could include highways, airports, ports, critical minerals mines, pipelines and electricity generation and transmission systems.

For national interest projects, review processes will focus on “how” a project will be built, not “whether” it will be built. The Building Canada Act will have a single decision point for federal approvals to allow a project to go ahead, subject to conditions. This upfront decision helps create more certainty for project proponents and sends a clear signal about the government’s intention to put its full weight behind projects of national interest.

National interest projects will also be subject to a streamlined conditions document that ensures the right conditions are in place to respect Indigenous rights, and to protect the environment. This includes conditions to mitigate impacts on species at risk and migratory birds that would otherwise be issued under the Species at Risk Act or Migratory Birds Convention Act.

The Government of Canada is committed to respecting Indigenous rights under section 35 of the Constitution Act of 1982, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as well as ensuring compliance with modern treaty obligations. These conditions will balance national interest considerations in decision-making.

Taking action

Learn more about the approach we are taking to building one Canadian economy.

Frequently asked questions about the One Canadian Economy Act

List of frequently asked questions pertaining to One Canadian Economy Act.