The Manitoba government has announced that it signed an agreement with the Ontario government to boost the flow of goods, services, investment and workers in both provinces.
“We’re facing a tariff war on two fronts and now is the time to build up this country we love so much,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “Through this agreement with Ontario, we will unlock more economic opportunities for people in both provinces. As premiers, we are all working toward the common goal of powering our Canadian economy toward the future.”
The premiers signed a memorandum of understanding today at Queen’s Park to signal the provinces’ intention to work together to knock down interprovincial trade barriers including direct-to-consumer alcohol sales and improved labour mobility between Manitoba and Ontario.
“Working together with provinces and territories across Canada, we are building a stronger, more competitive and more resilient economy that will protect our workers and communities and tie our country together,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford. “Today’s MOU is just the latest step we are taking to unlock the enormous potential of true free trade within Canada, which will lower costs for families and add up to $200 billion to our national gross domestic product. I’m grateful to Premier Kinew for his partnership and leadership in getting this MOU done and I look forward to signing additional MOUs with other provinces as we move forward.”
The agreements would see the provinces use existing legislation and forthcoming legislation in Manitoba to continue to grow Canada’s economy, noted Kinew. The premiers encouraged other provinces to introduce legislation and remove barriers to trade across Canada including through reciprocal mutual recognition.
In 2021, the value of total interprovincial trade between Ontario and Manitoba stood at $19.5 billion.
