The Manitoba government has signed new economic co-operation agreements with the governments of New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island. The agreements aim to break down trade barriers, increase labour mobility and create new opportunities for businesses and workers across Canada.

“These agreements reflect Manitoba’s ongoing efforts to build a stronger, more unified Canadian economy, one where goods, services and workers can move more freely between provinces, while maintaining the highest standards for health and safety,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “By working with partners across the nation, we are unlocking opportunities for people and businesses, building up this country we all love so much.”

Highlights of the memoranda of understanding (MOUs) include:

  • a shared commitment to removing internal trade barriers;
  • work to ensure credential recognition with other provinces’ licensing and regulatory frameworks; and
  • agreement by New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island to allow for direct-to-consumer alcohol sales from Manitoba producers and a commitment to further discussions to give consumers more choice and creating new markets for producers.

“New Brunswick is committed to working closely with our neighbouring province to create a strong and free Canadian economy and create more opportunities for New Brunswick businesses and products to shine across the country,” said New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt. “This is the third memorandum of understanding we’ve signed with other jurisdictions, and it will further help us to create more opportunity for our businesses to thrive in new markets, both within New Brunswick and across Canada.”

“Saskatchewan is standing strong through the storm that is our current trade challenges,” said Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe “Manitoba and Saskatchewan have been strong trading partners through the New West Partnership Trade Agreement. Together, we are encouraging other jurisdictions to join Canada’s most ambitious domestic trade agreement, and we are building on our economic relationship through further trade collaboration, for example, on direct-to-consumer alcohol sales.”

“The governments of British Columbia and Manitoba share values and a commitment to put our people first,” said British Columbia Premier David Eby. “I’m happy to be able to team up with my good friend Wab Kinew to directly benefit families by growing the economy in both of our provinces.”

“PEI and Manitoba may be different in size and geography, but we share the same goals: a stronger economy, a mobile workforce, and a more efficient approach to interprovincial co-operation,” Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz said.

The MOUs signed with the four provinces will expand opportunities for Manitoban producers and workers while helping strengthen Canada’s economy amid ongoing global uncertainty. The agreements align with Manitoba’s continued leadership on internal trade and labour mobility including through its Fair Trade in Canada (Internal Trade Mutual Recognition) Act and Labour Mobility Act, said Kinew.