Mr. Speaker, strengthening internal trade is essential to ensuring that businesses across Canada can grow, compete, and thrive. With the United States' decision to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports and the Canadian government's counter-tariffs, Canada urgently needs to strengthen our internal trade framework. Studies show that eliminating interprovincial trade barriers could add billions to Canada's gross domestic product annually, lower consumer costs, and improve supply chain resilience. The committee on internal trade is the place where federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers responsible for this file meet to discuss breaking down barriers to internal trade. For 2025, the Northwest Territories is the chair of the committee on internal trade.
Mr. Speaker, in the last six weeks, since the threat of US tariffs emerged, the committee on internal trade has met three times; most recently on February 28th in Toronto. Through these collaborative efforts, we are making real progress to strengthen Canada's domestic economy, especially since reducing internal trade barriers and ensuring Canadian business have greater access to domestic markets is critical to mitigate the economic impact of US protectionist policies.
During this most recent meeting of the committee on internal trade, we reviewed and advanced several key recommendations endorsed by First Ministers on February 4th:
Strengthening commitments under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, including a rapid review of all party-specific exceptions and completing financial services negotiations;
Second, expanding mutual recognition efforts to reduce regulatory burdens. This includes pursuing priority sector mutual recognition for goods. I am also happy to announce that all jurisdictions are now participating in the Mutual Recognition Pilot Project in the trucking sector;
Facilitating labour mobility by working with the forum of labour market Ministers to streamline professional certification recognition is the third recommendation, Mr. Speaker; and,
Fourth, advancing sectoral priorities such as supporting willing provinces and territories to set up a direct-to-consumer system for alcohol and developing an enhanced Team Canada trade promotion approach.
Mr. Speaker, these initiatives are critical for businesses in the Northwest Territories. By reducing unnecessary barriers, we are helping northern businesses expand, lower costs for residents, and improving the movement of goods and services.
The Northwest Territories understands the importance of a unified approach on internal trade. Over $530 billion worth of goods and services move across Canada each year, representing 20 percent of our gross domestic product. Ensuring that NWT businesses, and businesses across Canada, can access broader markets without unnecessary regulatory burdens is key to unlocking future success.
Initiatives like the mutual recognition pilot project in the trucking sector have strong potential to benefit the North by lowering costs and improve efficiency for businesses and communities.
Ministers on the committee on internal trade intend to maintain our momentum. We are dedicated to swiftly implementing the recommendations to reduce trade barriers and will continue to engage with Canadian businesses, workers, and stakeholders. As Canada faces new economic challenges, the work of the committee on internal trade is more important than ever.
Mr. Speaker, this committee has updated First Ministers on our progress. I look forward to continuing this important work to ensure our economy remains resilient and competitive in the face of global challenges. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Minister of ITI. Ministers' statements. Minister responsible for Housing NWT.
