Huntsville (Richa Walia): Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed new trade agreements on Monday with British Columbia and Canada’s three northern territories, aiming to strengthen interprovincial trade and improve labour mobility across the country.
The two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), one with B.C., and another jointly with Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, raise Ontario’s tally of trade agreements with provinces and territories to 10, reinforcing the province’s role as a national leader in fostering internal trade.
“With global uncertainty and ongoing threats to our economy, there’s never been a more critical time to strengthen Canada from within,” said Premier Ford. “These agreements will help us reduce red tape, lower costs for businesses, and build a more self-reliant economy. Together, we can unlock up to $200 billion in economic potential and protect jobs for Canadians from coast to coast.”
The MOUs align with Ontario’s recently passed Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, which enhances the province’s ability to eliminate domestic trade barriers and weather international economic pressures.
British Columbia Premier David Eby welcomed the partnership, noting its broad national implications.
“When Ontario and B.C. work together to remove trade barriers, it’s a win for everyone, workers, businesses, and families,” said Eby. “Together, we represent over half of Canada’s population. This agreement brings us one step closer to realizing a truly unified Canadian economy.”
The northern premiers echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the benefits for Canada’s remote and developing regions.
“This agreement is about making it easier for people, goods, and ideas to move across Canada,” said Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton. “It opens the door to new opportunities for the North.”
Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson added, “To unleash the North’s full economic potential, we must eliminate the hurdles that isolate our workers and businesses. This is a step in the right direction.”
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok called the agreement a “strategic opportunity” to deepen economic integration, improve labour mobility, and reduce trade bottlenecks.
Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Vic Fedeli, praised the agreements as part of Ontario’s broader mission to strengthen domestic economic ties.
“In an era of global volatility, Ontario is proud to lead the charge on Canadian economic cooperation,” said Fedeli. “With agreements now in place with seven provinces and all three territories, we are driving real change, removing trade barriers, opening doors for workers and businesses, and helping unleash billions in untapped economic value every year.”
The signing comes as Premier Ford hosts Canada’s premiers in Huntsville for the Council of the Federation’s 2025 Summer Meeting, running from July 21 to 23.
