Summary

• Federal, provincial and territorial ministers made significant progress on two key internal trade priorities: improved labour mobility across Canada, and worked toward mutual recognition of services across Canada
• Reducing internal trade barriers helps businesses reach new customers across Canada and attract investment to grow B.C.’s economy and become less reliance on the U.S. market
• B.C. is continuing its leadership on internal trade by working with federal, provincial and territorial governments to advance a Canadian mutual recognition framework for services

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Adrian Dix, acting Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, has released the following statement regarding the Committee on Internal Trade meeting on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026:

“At a time when unjustified U.S. tariffs and global trade uncertainty are creating challenges for businesses and workers across Canada, reducing trade barriers within our own country has never been more important.

“Yesterday, I was pleased to see federal, provincial, and territorial trade ministers ratify amendments to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement that will establish a 30-day service standard for labour mobility applications, and commit to an agreement by the end of this year to allow for the free trade of services across Canada.

“By reducing barriers to labour mobility and services across Canada, we can help businesses reach new markets, hire the staff they need to grow, and make it easier for workers and service providers to operate across provincial and territorial boundaries, supporting economic growth and strengthening Canada’s economy.

“Ministers also agreed to accelerate work toward an agreement in principle by the end of fall 2026 on model mutual-recognition legislation. This work will help create a more open Canadian market and make it easier for people and businesses to work and operate across provincial and territorial boundaries.

“Today’s work builds on the progress we’ve already made to reduce interprovincial trade barriers. Last month, British Columbia and eight other provinces signed an agreement to implement direct-to-consumer sales of alcohol, and we are committed to have this system in place to implement direct-to-consumer sales for all types of alcohol by February 2027.

“In November 2025, our government also brought together all 13 provinces and territories, and the federal government, in unprecedented collaboration to sign the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement on the Sale of Goods. This historic agreement reduces barriers and makes it easier for B.C. businesses to sell products across Canada, representing the largest set of red tape reductions in our country’s history.

“B.C. is continuing its leadership on internal trade by working with provinces and territories to expand mutual recognition to services by the end of 2026, co-chairing the development of a model mutual framework and unlocking new opportunities for businesses, investors and consumers across Canada.

“To support this work, in February 2026, we passed the new Trade Recognition Act (Bill 5) that makes it easier for businesses to expand across Canada and attract investment into the province.

“British Columbia will continue working with our federal, provincial and territorial partners to reduce internal trade barriers and strengthen economic ties across the country. Through our Look West strategy, we are supporting businesses, attracting investment and helping create the conditions for long-term economic growth.

“While there is more work to do, yesterday’s meeting demonstrated that governments across Canada remain united in our commitments to strengthening internal trade and build a more resilient economy for Canadians.

“By working together, we are building a stronger, more connected economy that creates jobs, supports businesses and delivers lasting benefits for people throughout British Columbia and across the country.”

Learn More:

• To learn more about Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger BC and Canada, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/LookWest
• To learn more about free trade in Canada: https://www.gov.bc.ca/DomesticTrade