Ontario to remove barriers to internal trade, labour mobility, in response to U.S. tariffs [Video]

Ontario’s government tabled new legislation Wednesday to reduce internal trade barriers, and Premier Doug Ford signed related agreements with two provinces, both in efforts to make the economy more resilient against the effects of American tariffs.

At an announcement Wednesday, Ford told reporters that trade barriers within Canada were essentially a self-imposed tax, raising the cost of everyday goods and services by nearly 15 per cent, echoing a figure Canadian Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand has said in recent months.

“Much like President Trump’s tariffs, these trade barriers hurt our economy, drive away jobs and investment, and divide us from each other,” Ford said.

Ford says his government’s new bill would make Ontario the first government in Canada to unconditionally remove all current exceptions to interprovincial free trade.

WATCH | Canada’s internal free trade barriers explained: Donald Trump’s tariffs aren’t the only road blocks facing Canadian businesses. Interprovincial trade barriers are a big factor in many industries. But …