Feds table Bill to remove interprovincial trade barriers, fast-track builds

A landmark Bill on free trade and major infrastructure projects.

The federal government is introducing the ‘One Canadian Economy’ act to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers and fast track major builds.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says it’s decades in the making.

“A Bill that is laser focused on building a stronger, more competitive Canadian economy that works for all Canadians, and meets this hinge moment with the urgency that’s required,” said the Prime Minister.

He says the country used to build big things like Expo 67 and the St. Lawrence Seaway, but the approval process in recent decades is holding the country back.

A new federal major project office will be created to bring together a single set of conditions, shortening the approval process.

The PM adds that Indigenous consultation on the projects will be crucial, and they’re doubling the loan guarantee program from 5 to 10 billion dollars.

“Being a reliable partner is not just about the duty to consult, it’s also about long term prosperity through equity and Indigenous ownership.”

Carney adds they won’t impose projects on provinces, but what’s encouraging from Monday’s First Ministers meeting in Saskatchewan was the support of projects that stretch across provincial boundaries, namely the Energy East partnership.

He says they’re working to remove the ‘illegal and unjustified’ tariffs from U.S. president Donald Trump, while building new trade relationships around the world.