Ontario Premier Doug Ford has signed new agreements with Saskatchewan, Alberta and Prince Edward Island aimed at breaking down interprovincial trade barriers and strengthening Canada’s internal economy.
The deals were announced in Saskatoon over the weekend, ahead of a Monday meeting between premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney, where leaders are expected to discuss nation-building projects that could stimulate economic growth.
Ford said the Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) will help boost trade, protect jobs and improve labour mobility. He also repeated calls for the federal government to eliminate the Impact Assessment Act, saying it slows down construction on major infrastructure projects.
“With President Trump threatening Canada’s economy, there’s never been a more important time to strengthen trade and cooperation between provinces,” Ford said. “We’re unlocking up to $200 billion in economic gains.”
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the deal with Ontario will “make it easier for people to work, do business and grow across provincial lines.” P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz called the partnership a sign of smaller provinces helping lead the way toward a unified national economy.
Ontario was the first province to remove all party-specific exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement and has introduced new legislation to support expanded internal trade.
In 2023, Ontario’s trade with other provinces totalled $326.6 billion, with a surplus of $41.2 billion. Ontario is also launching a $50 million trade fund to help businesses access new domestic markets.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
