Yesterday, the Saskatchewan and Ontario provincial governments came to an agreement on trade barriers and how best to remove those. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the removal of trade barriers across the two jurisdictions.
"Now is the time to take strong action to strengthen trade across Canada," said Moe. "Our province remains committed to removing restrictive barriers that limit the flow of trade. Today's MOU between Saskatchewan and Ontario is just one of the ways we are unlocking the infinite potential that exists within our industries from coast to coast."
The MOU will have both provinces commit to facilitating the mutual recognition of goods, workers and investment while strengthening public safety and respecting the integrity and role of Crown corporations. Another function is the strengthening of interprovincial labour mobility and direct-to-consumer alcohol sales between the two provinces.
“With President Trump taking direct aim at Canada’s economy, we need to do everything we can to protect Ontario and Canadian workers by super-charging our own internal trade opportunities,” said Premier Ford. “With both of us coming together today, we are helping Canada unlock up to $200 billion in gains for our economy, and we are showing everyone how all of us premiers are standing up for Canada like never before."
Both provinces are also co-leading efforts under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement to build a framework which would advance DTC alcohol sales with other provinces across Canada.
The total value of interprovincial trade between Saskatchewan and Ontario was $6.4 billion in 2021.