Released on September 5, 2019
Today, Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison announced the Government of Saskatchewan will sign an amendment to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) to enable the narrowing or elimination of interprovincial trade exceptions. This follows the commitment made at the Council of the Federation (COF) meetings earlier this year to collaborate on more liberalized interprovincial trade.“Interprovincial trade is vital to the economic success of all provinces and our entire country,” Harrison said. “We are pleased Premiers agreed to streamlining and improving the exceptions process and I look forward to the removal of exceptions which will help our Saskatchewan businesses and industry increase market access across the country.”
Under the current process all parties must sign off on an amendment to the trade agreement which can require cabinet approvals. This is a lengthy process and can sometimes take up to two years, depending on the jurisdiction. The revised agreement allows for signatories to narrow exceptions within 45 days and eliminate exceptions immediately.
At COF, Premiers agreed to undertake a full review of their own provincial exceptions by the end of 2019. Once provinces have completed their reviews, the new streamlined process to narrow or remove exceptions will enable the new and expedited process.
The Governments of Alberta and Ontario have also announced that they will support modifications to the CFTA to break down barriers in order to encourage increased trade between jurisdictions in Canada.
“Increasing interprovincial trade and market access has been a priority for our government and we will continue to work to address existing trade irritants,” Harrison said. “This amendment is another significant step that will ultimately reduce regulatory barriers to trade, investment and labour mobility and benefit all of Canada.”
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For more information, contact:
Deb Young
Trade and Export Development
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4765
Email: deb.young@gov.sk.ca