The Langley Chamber is welcoming the new Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement (CMRA) signed this week by the federal, provincial and territorial governments across the country and is aimed at reducing interprovincial trade barriers and simplifying the movement of goods across Canada.

The agreement is intended to make it easier for BC businesses to access markets in other provinces by removing duplications around things like labeling, packaging, testing and other requirements when a product is already approved for sale in its home province.  Under the CMRA, if a product can be legally sold in British Columbia, it will be permitted for sale across the country without the need for additional testing, certifications, or approvals. This shift means businesses will no longer need to navigate thousands of differing rules and requirements across 14 jurisdictions.   Provinces can still create exceptions to this mutual recognition model, but will be specifically identified.

The agreement takes effect in December 2025 and applies to all goods except food. It covers a wide range of products—from manufacturing inputs and industrial goods to clothing, toys, health technologies, vehicles, and more. Economic analysis indicates that reducing internal trade barriers has the potential to improve productivity and support economic growth by lowering regulatory duplication and freeing resources for business development.

For many businesses in Langley, this represents a positive development that may help lower administrative costs and improve access to broader Canadian markets. It is a step toward a more coordinated national regulatory environment—an issue the Langley Chamber has raised directly, and through the BC Chamber network, including directly with Finance Minister Bailey earlier this year when she spoke at the chamber.

While this progress is welcome, important areas such as food and alcohol remain outside the scope of the agreement. We will continue to advocate for greater consistency and market access in these sectors as discussions move forward.