Premiers must show leadership to strengthen Agreement on Internal Trade, Manley says

Statement by The Honourable John Manley, President and CEO, Canadian Council of Chief Executives, on the eve of this week’s Annual Premiers’ Conference in Charlottetown:

“To succeed internationally, Canadian firms need a strong base of operations here at home. That’s why it is important to eliminate interprovincial trade restrictions that make it harder for Canadian companies to compete and grow.

“Almost two decades ago, governments across Canada promised to reduce and eliminate barriers to the free movement of people, goods, services and investments within our national borders. Unfortunately, progress since then has been frustratingly slow. To make free trade within Canada a reality, we need leadership from every province and territory, working closely with the federal government.

“As a start, provincial and territorial governments should commit to recognizing standards across provinces, with the objective of moving toward full harmonization. Modernizing our economic union will create jobs, eliminate unnecessary waste and strengthen the ability of Canadian companies to serve consumers across the country and internationally.

“Canada’s business leaders urge Premiers to strengthen the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) to permit the free movement of goods, services, people and investment within Canada’s borders.”

The CCCE is the senior voice of Canada’s business community, representing 150 chief executives and leading entrepreneurs in all sectors and regions of the country. Its member companies collectively employ 1.5 million Canadians and are responsible for most of Canada’s exports, investments, workplace training and private sector research and development.