While not every move made by Premier Jason Kenney over the past year has been universally applauded, his latest suggestion regarding the reduction and elimination of inter-provincial trade barriers is right on the mark.
Whether other provinces, and in particular Ontario and Quebec, will be interested in taking up Kenney’s challenge remains to be seen.
What is known is that with current barriers costing the Canadian economy at least $50 billion each year, efforts aimed at making improvements are in every Albertan’s best interest.
Last week the premier announced that Alberta is taking steps to enhance free trade within Canada by eliminating eight exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. The move follows the elimination by Alberta of more than a dozen other exceptions earlier this year.
For his part, Kenney says lifting internal trade restrictions is a must and something that Alberta is prepared to take the lead in bringing about.
“Internal barriers to trade and labour mobility within our country cost the Canadian economy between $50 billion and $130 billion every year,” said Kenney.
“Our government continues to lead on scrapping barriers to free trade and welcoming the investment, economic growth and jobs that come with an open economy.”
The eliminated exceptions deal with areas such as the energy sector, alcohol and the sale of public lands.
“The removal of these exceptions will strengthen interprovincial trade in Canada and mean great things for Alberta’s economy,” he said. “I call on all other provinces and territories to meet Alberta’s ambition to end the economic balkanization of our country, and become the true economic union envisaged by the Fathers of Confederation.”
Alberta is also conducting a review to “potentially expand unilateral recognition of professional and licensed credentials from across Canada,” he said.
Premier Kenney’s efforts to reduce internal trade restrictions are a good step forward.
Whether other jurisdictions – including Ontario and Quebec with their combined population of more than 25 million residents – can be convinced to work with Alberta remains anyone’s guess.
- Singleton is the Mountain View Gazette editor
