Internal Trade

Despite the principles embodied in the Agreement on Internal Trade, Canada's economic space is still marred by many fractures that inhibit the movement of people, goods, services and capital. Fixing this situation has remained a low political priority for too long. The federal, provincial and territorial governments must set aside shortsighted and selfish objections and ensure that Canadian enterprises are able to function efficiently from coast to coast.

• The most obvious priority is to streamline Canada's fragmented regulatory framework. While in many cases constitutional authority rests or is shared with the provinces, provincial governments have a responsibility to work together in the national interest. This requires a much more vigorous effort to harmonize regulatory standards or streamline compliance through mutual recognition agreements.
• The need to complete the integration of Canada's economic space has been reinforced by the continuing economic integration of North America. Effective management of the Canada-United States border must involve negotiations on regulatory compatibility that require as a starting point a coherent Canadian position.
• Governments and their agencies are not the only institutions maintaining barriers to labour mobility. Professional associations and academic institutions have important roles to play in improving the recognition of relevant credentials and indicators of achievement.