Reducing interprovincial trade barriers unlocks captive GDP, increases competitiveness of Canadian businesses

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO, Deborah Yedlin, issued the following statement on Deloitte’s interprovincial trade barriers report:

Calgary, November 5, 2021 – “Cross‐Canada trade regulations impose an equivalent 6.9% tariff on goods crossing provincial borders. Unlocking the potential of interprovincial trade will have real impact on our economic recovery and growth – to the tune of an estimated 3.2% annual increase in Alberta’s GDP.

“Deloitte’s report recommendations have significant and positive implications for governments, businesses and citizens including increasing tax revenue, reducing transactional friction and inefficiencies for industries like transportation and hospitality and mobilizing talent and skills through recognition of qualifications across provincial and territorial borders.

“Initiatives like the New West Partnership Trade Agreement, have reduced some trade barriers for Alberta, but there is more to be done. At the Calgary Chamber, we continue to advocate for trade policies that will increase competitiveness and facilitate the movement of people and goods. Principles like mutual recognition and public-private collaboration generally align with the Calgary Chamber’s key policy recommendations.

“As we chart a path to economic recovery, dismantling barriers for both trade and labour mobility will be key to our recovery and growth. We look forward to working with our business community and governments to bring action to recommendations and unlock the economic potential of trade within our borders.”

About the Calgary Chamber

The Calgary Chamber is an independent non-profit, non-partisan business organization. For 130 years, the Chamber has worked to build a business community that nourishes, powers and inspires the world.

For media inquiries, please contact Arianne Brady, Communications Manager, at media@calgarychamber.com or at 403-750-0414.