Ottawa – Arab Canada News

Former federal minister James Moore confirmed that achieving comprehensive internal free trade among Canadian provinces is a key element for national economic growth and enhancing competitiveness, but he noted that reaching this goal is still fraught with legal and political challenges.

In an opinion piece published on CTV News, Moore emphasized that the restrictions on the free movement of goods and services within Canada cost the economy billions annually, undermining the ability of Canadian companies to expand and invest.

Moore said:

“Ironically, Canada, as a nation founded on the principle of unity, still suffers from internal barriers that hinder its trade more than it does with certain foreign countries.”

The Reality: A Complex and Fragmented System

He pointed out that the discrepancies in regulations and standards between provinces – from business licenses to product regulations – create real difficulties for companies and investors, especially in the service, agricultural, and industrial sectors.

The Proposed Roadmap

Moore proposed several steps to overcome these challenges, most notably:

1. Enacting a binding federal charter for internal trade that includes all provinces and establishes a clear framework for the free movement of goods, services, and labor.

2. Removing regulatory inconsistencies between local governments through effective coordination mechanisms.

3. Empowering courts to apply the principle of free trade as a constitutional right that can be invoked in cases of violations.

4. Providing political and economic incentives for provinces that respond to efforts to open domestic markets.

Political support is possible… if there is the will

In closing his article, Moore expressed his hope that free internal trade would become a national priority after the federal elections, especially in light of the repeated calls from various parties to strengthen the local market and address global economic challenges.