File Photo/CHAT News

By Jett Schwaier

Trade Barriers

Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce addresses the impact of new trade rules on local businesses

Nov 21, 2025 | 5:49 PM

A new interprovincial trade agreement, set to take effect next month will allow for tens of thousands of goods to move freely across Canada’s 14 jurisdictions.

The agreement recognizes provincial rules as equivalent, meaning products approved for sale in one jurisdiction can be sold in another without additional permits or paperwork.

Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce president Aaron Fleming said it’s easier for business owners in Medicine Hat to operate their business locally rather than trying to figure out how to do it interprovincially.

“Alberta as a whole, the interprovincial trade barriers are obviously a huge issue and something that the Chamber of Commerce is regularly advocating for,” Fleming said.

“There are still barriers that impede the movement of goods, services and various things between provinces and territories, including labour,” he added.

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“Labour is difficult to do interprovincially.”

Fleming said the chamber has some good recommendations for the federal government.

“The main recommendations that we have are to work with the province and territorial governments on the mutual recognition of regulations, rules and policies,” Fleming said.

“[This is] to allow for the free movement of labour, trades and goods across Canada,” Fleming said.

Also recommended by Fleming through the Chamber of Commerce is a full review to be done to eliminate barriers of trade and labour mobility, ensuring coverage of all sectors of the economy.

Food, alcohol and live animals remain excluded for now, but talks to expand the deal are underway.

The agreement doesn’t interfere with a government’s rights to regulate for health, safety and environmental protection.

Businesses won’t need to apply, because if a product meets the rules in one jurisdiction, it can be sold elsewhere unless an exception is listed.

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READ: New trade deal to chop red tape, knock down trade barriers across Canada

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