Internal Trade Committee Reviews Initiatives to Boost National Commerce
The Committee on Internal Trade (CIT) meeting was held on February 21, 2025, in Ottawa. Minister Anita Anand and provincial and territorial counterparts discussed measures to enhance trade within Canada. The agenda focused on reducing trade barriers and increasing labor mobility among provinces.
Minister Anand highlighted the role of Minister Caitlin Cleveland from the Northwest Territories, who served as the chair for this meeting. Discussions addressed several key initiatives:
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Removing exceptions to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) to promote inclusive business practices.
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Expanding the CFTA to cover the financial services sector, allowing greater access for businesses.
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Focusing on eliminating regulatory and administrative hindrances affecting goods movement.
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Supporting Canadian workers in practicing their trades across different regions without unnecessary delays.
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Enhancing the flow and exchange of Canadian goods nationwide.
The session further built upon previous initiatives like the trucking sector pilot project that aligns regulatory standards to smooth inter-jurisdictional movements.