The Alberta government is launching a portal for industry leaders, business owners and other provinces to highlight any barriers to free trade, jobs minister Matt Jones says. Jeff Whyte/Dreamstime.com

By Olivia Thorington

PROVINCIAL

Alberta turning to industry to highlight any barriers to internal free trade, minister says

Apr 17, 2025 | 4:30 PM

The Alberta government is turning to industry leaders, business owners and other provinces to help bring down any of its barriers to free trade across provincial borders, trade minister Matt Jones says.

The province will launch a new portal next week where experts and his counterparts across Canada can identify anything preventing internal trade and “economic prosperity,” Jones told CHAT News.

“This will inform our cross-government efforts to cut red tape and strengthen the flow of goods, services and investment,” he said in a statement.

“Alberta is out in front — leading free trade efforts within Canada, and we’re committed to staying ahead of the pack.”

Canada’s internal trade barriers are estimated to cost the economy up to $200 billion each year and lower gross domestic product by nearly eight per cent, officials say.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: Dec. 12-14

Dec 12, 2025

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: December 5-7

Dec 05, 2025

WHAT'S ON

Top five things to do at the Medicine Hat Public Library in December

Nov 30, 2025

Premier Danielle Smith in March declared her United Conservative government would do anything it could to improve the free flow of goods across Canada as part of her response to U.S. tariffs.

Other provinces have also taken steps to address interprovincial trade barriers.

The Ontario government proposed new legislation Wednesday aimed at strengthening trade and its premier Doug Ford signed memorandum of understanding his counterparts in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to recognize mutual worker standards.