Canada delivering modern regulations, boosting internal trade

OTTAWA, July 8, 2019 /CNW/ - Ahead of the Council of the Federation meeting in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the Government of Canada highlights the progress made to improve economic competitiveness and facilitate trade between provinces and territories.

The Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance and acting Minister responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs and Internal Trade, and the Honourable Joyce Murray, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government, pointed to the ways the government is listening to consumers, retailers and safety advocates, and acting to make it easier and safer to do business across Canada and abroad.

The Government of Canada has reduced barriers to business growth and trade, boosted competitiveness, and created good middle-class jobs since the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) came into force on July 1, 2017.

Federal departments and agencies have made inroads on everything from improved regulations on food inspection, safety equipment and appliances to rules for the trucks that get food and other goods to market.

Among the actions, the National Codes for construction have been made available for free online, Safe Food for Canadians Regulations were introduced to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, and the regulatory framework was made more agile through the Annual Regulatory Modernization Act.

The Government of Canada intends to continue to work with provinces and territories to improve opportunities for trade within Canada and abroad.

These changes have helped Canadians grow their businesses and compete in Canada's diversifying economy.

Quotes

"We have been listening to Canadian businesses. Our government knows that when businesses have the ability to grow and compete they create more middle-class jobs. We will continue to push to reduce barriers to trade within Canada, and to support Canadian competitiveness. Creating good jobs for the middle class and building economic prosperity will lead to a bright future for all Canadians."

The Honourable Bill Morneau, Finance Minister and acting Minister responsible for intergovernmental affairs and internal trade

"We're modernizing Canada's regulatory framework to make it easier for businesses to work across the country. Simpler internal trade strengthens businesses, bolsters innovation, and creates more job growth – delivering results for all Canadians."

The Honourable Joyce Murray, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government

Quick Facts

• According to the International Monetary Fund, removing barriers to internal trade within Canada could increase Canada's GDP by almost 4 per cent.
• The federal government released four Regulatory Roadmaps in June, setting out a plan for reducing regulatory barriers and bottlenecks in targeted high-growth sectors.
• Through the Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table, federal, provincial and territorial governments have also agreed on a renewed work plan for reconciling and cooperating on regulations in the coming years.

Associated Links

Progress Enhancing Trade Within Canada

Regulatory Roadmaps – the path to a better regulatory system for businesses and all Canadians

Minister Morneau statement following meeting of Committee on Internal Trade ministers

Canada acts to eliminate barriers to interprovincial trade in alcohol 

First Ministers meet to discuss economic growth and jobs for Canadians

Federal action to enhance economic competitiveness and improve trade between provinces and territories

Canadian Free Trade Agreement website

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SOURCE Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade