News Release

YELLOWKNIFE (GNB) – The federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for internal trade have announced further steps aimed at improving trade among Canadian jurisdictions.

The committee on internal trade met recently in the Northwest Territories, where New Brunswick and most other jurisdictions signed the first Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement on the Sale of Goods.

“Governments across the country continue to recognize the need to make trade within Canada more attractive and efficient,” said Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours. “The government of New Brunswick continues to support the work of the committee on internal trade and is pleased to offer its commitment to taking further action on internal trade.”

Governments across the country regulate the sale of many goods to uphold various standards. However, when regulatory requirements differ between provinces or territories, they can create additional costs and barriers to doing business. The agreement aligns with work already being done in New Brunswick, particularly the introduction of the Free Trade Within Canada Act.

During the meeting, D’Amours raised the importance of all jurisdictions meeting their commitment to implement direct-to-consumer sales of alcohol by May 2026, in keeping with the memorandum of understanding signed by participating provinces and territories in June. New Brunswick and Manitoba have already done so, while other jurisdictions continue to work toward implementation.

The ministers also endorsed a memorandum of understanding on interprovincial trucking, developed in collaboration with the Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety. It is intended to reduce internal trade barriers in the trucking sector and facilitate the efficient movement of goods across the country.

“We are pleased to have signed a memorandum of understanding with all other Canadian jurisdictions that commits us all to aligning regulations related to the trucking industry,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Chuck Chiasson. “This includes improved efficiency and safety, consistent electric vehicle exemptions, and national standards for axle weight limits, semi-trailer lengths and equipment for oversized loads.”

This was the committee’s ninth meeting of 2025.