Carney Shifts from ‘Removing Trade Barrier’ to ‘Introducing Legislation’

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney may have overpromised during his election campaign when he pledged to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers by Canada Day.

During his April election campaign, Carney repeatedly promised to achieve “free trade in Canada by Canada Day.” On April 5 in Toronto, he said his government had “committed to remove all federal restrictions on mobility by Canada Day.” By April 20 in Ottawa, he pledged: “We will legislate the removal of all federal restrictions by July 1st, free trade in Canada, by Canada Day.”

However, the federal government cannot unilaterally eliminate most interprovincial trade barriers, which result from provincial regulations enacted under their “property and civil rights” constitutional power.

The federal government can only remove its own exemptions from the Canadian Free Trade Agreement — it has already eliminated 20 of 39 federal exceptions. But barriers involving professional licensing, trucking standards, and alcohol distribution remain under provincial jurisdiction.

A 2023 Montreal Economic Institute report found 245 exemptions to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement across all provinces and territories. Courts have limited federal trade powers to matters of “genuinely national scope,” meaning Ottawa needs provincial cooperation for most barrier removal.

Carney’s post-election throne speech now promises to table legislation by July 1 rather than complete barrier removal, indicating that his campaign timeline may have been unrealistic from the start.

The Prime Minister’s Office estimates removing interprovincial trade barriers could expand Canada’s economy by 4% to 8%. Carney has positioned the initiative as part of Canada’s response to US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.



Information for this story was found via the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

Goliath Resources Hits 10.60 g/t Gold Over 22.82 Metres, Highest Grade Results In Third Distinct Rock Package At Surebet Discovery

Four Countries Control the Fertilizer That Feeds the World | Sage Potash

$10,000 Gold Is Just A Question of Time | Florian Grummes

Recommended

Antimony Resources Drills 5.27% Sb Over 4.95 Metres In Latest Results

Nord Precious Metals Identifies 29 Veins At Castle East Following 3D Modeling

Related News

Liberal Lead Narrowed To Two Points Ahead Of Crucial Debates

The Liberal Party’s advantage over the Conservatives has shrunk to just two percentage points, according...

Friday, April 18, 2025, 07:22:32 AM

Carney to Cut Cabinet Size in Half, Prepares for Trump Trade Challenges

Incoming Prime Minister Mark Carney is finalizing preparations for a significantly streamlined cabinet as he...

Friday, March 14, 2025, 10:02:00 AM

Campbell Takes Aim at Carney, Calls for ‘Clear-Eyed’ Review of Liberal Decade

Former British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell is calling on Canadians to engage in a “clear-eyed...

Thursday, April 24, 2025, 02:24:00 PM

Mark Carney Defends Carbon Tax in Quebec Media Appearance

Mark Carney has doubled down on his climate strategy during a Sunday evening appearance on...

Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 04:31:00 PM

China Denies Role in WeChat Campaign Targeting Canada’s Carney

Canadian security officials have identified a Chinese government-linked information operation on WeChat aimed at influencing...

Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 02:44:00 PM