The Langley Chamber is joining with our national counterpart in calling for the provinces and federal government to prioritize the elimination of interprovincial trade barriers that stop goods, services and workers from moving easily across this country. 

"From differences in packaging requirements that raise costs for manufacturers, to limits on alcohol sales to other provinces for BC beer and wine, to labour regulations that create barriers for skilled workers, to different regulations around transportation that raise the cost of moving goods to other provinces....there are many areas we can improve to make it easier for businesses to trade between provinces. We can't complain about trade barriers put up by other countries when our own country throws up stop signs at every turn," says Cory Redekop, CEO of the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce.

"It shouldn’t be easier for Ontario to trade with Florida than with Saskatchewan. Breaking down outdated, self-imposed barriers is one of the biggest economic opportunities we have—and it’s one we can’t afford to waste.  Interprovincial trade drives one-fifth of Canada’s GDP, yet internal trade barriers still act like a 21% tariff. Removing them could boost GDP per capita by 4%. That’s real growth—right here at home—at a time when businesses and workers need it most. Internal trade must be a key aspect of our Canada-U.S. trade strategy—let’s control what we can control,"  says Matthew Holmes, Executive Vice President, International and Chief of Public Policy, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

The Langley Chamber will be coordinating with our chamber network to advance the cause of free interprovincial trade -- something we have long advocated for -- and promoting business opportunities across the country once and for all. 

More Resources:

The Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker delivers real-time insights into trade flows, industry trends, and data-backed analysis, helping businesses and policymakers navigate the uncertainty posed by tariffs and other barriers with clarity and confidence—so we can safeguard North America’s most successful trade relationship for the benefit of all.  Explore the Trade Tracker >

Read more about Canada-US trade in the Partners in Prosperity report >