New federal bill aims to improve labour mobility, eliminate internal trade barriers

The Liberal government has introduced legislation aimed at cutting down barriers to internal trade by recognizing provincial and territorial rules at the federal level.

Officials who briefed reporters this morning say the goal is to reduce the number of redundant standards across the country.

They say that, for example, a company that produces washing machines that meet a provincial energy efficiency standard won't have to meet a separate federal standard to sell outside that province.

The bill also looks to recognize provincial and territorial licensing and certification for some workers, so that someone licensed to work in one province is assumed to be licensed at the federal level.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers by Canada Day.

The federal government says that, so far, it's removed almost 70 per cent of the exceptions it has imposed on the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick