Premiers of Canada's four western provinces today announced that Manitoba has joined the New West Partnership Trade Agreement, strengthening and expanding Canada’s largest, barrier-free interprovincial market.

With the inclusion of Manitoba, the partnership creates an open, common market of over 11 million people, with a combined GDP of over $750 billion.

“Business owners, community leaders and chambers of commerce from across Manitoba have long called for our province to pursue new opportunities for growth and reduced trade barriers," said Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister. "Joining the New West Partnership will bring these advantages. We look forward to working with British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan to expand opportunities and support stronger economies right across western Canada."

The agreement commits each jurisdiction to enhance trade, investment and labour mobility, and to remove barriers to movement of goods, services, investment, and people within and between the provinces.

“We are pleased to welcome Manitoba into the New West Partnership,” said Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall. “We’ve had great success over the past six years in removing barriers and opening up trade within our region. Together, we can continue to reduce hurdles affecting long-term business opportunities and make western Canada even stronger.”

“Alberta is proud to work with our western neighbours to grow, strengthen and diversify the economy,” said Alberta Premier Rachel Notley. “We share a common commitment to creating jobs, enhancing opportunities for enterprise and investment, and increasing prosperity throughout and beyond Western Canada.”

“Western provinces are leaders in reducing barriers to trade, and bringing Manitoba into the New West Partnership Trade Agreement can only strengthen our open market,” said British Columbia Premier Christy Clark. “By joining forces, we can continue to expand our economies and benefit all Canadians.”

The original New West Partnership Trade Agreement came into effect July 1, 2010, and has been fully implemented since July 1, 2013.

For more information on the agreement, visit: http://www.newwestpartnershiptrade.ca