B.C. will do 'whatever is necessary' to remove internal trade barriers: minister

British Columbia plans to enter a meeting with other provinces this week prepared to make "substantive changes" to its interprovincial trade barriers as the threat of hefty U.S. tariffs looms, Economic Development Minister Diana Gibson said.

Gibson met virtually on Feb. 21 with her provincial counterparts on the Committee on Internal Trade and said they were committed to reducing trade barriers within the country.

"We have come together with an incredible energy and commitment to meet this moment to help reduce barriers to trade, so that movements of goods and services across our provinces can help unlock economic development and support jobs and economic diversity," she said in an interview after the meeting.

The group is set to meet in person in Toronto this coming Friday.

WATCH | Feds set to remove internal trade barriers: 

MacKinnon says removing internal trade barriers would be ‘outstanding news’ for workers

4 days ago

Duration 2:58

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said on Friday that the government is ‘working really hard’ to remove interprovincial trade barriers. Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand announced on Friday that the government will remove more than half of federal internal trade barriers.

Gibson said if there is a national commitment to reduce barriers, B.C. will "do whatever is necessary" and put forward legislation if required.

On Feb. 20, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said his province would table legislation to reduce interprovincial trade barriers.

A statement from federal Minister of Internal Trade Anita Anand on Feb. 21 said the virtual meeting focused on steps being taken to eliminate exceptions to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, making it easier for businesses to access financial services, removing administrative barriers and making it easier for workers to move between jurisdictions.

"The discussions between the provinces and territories are energetic, and we are working at an unprecedented rate towards removing barriers to internal trade and labour mobility, for Canadian workers and businesses to succeed," Anand said.

Gibson would not discuss the specific changes to free trade exceptions that B.C. was considering but said ideas in other discussions have included recognition of certifications for workers including roofers and teachers.

WATCH | Trade war threat prompts discussions on internal trade: 

Premiers focus on improving domestic trade as Canada-U.S. trade war looms

1 month ago

Duration 1:57

Canadian premiers say it's time to focus on reducing domestic trade barriers, making it easier to trade goods and move workers between provinces — especially with a Canada-U.S. trade war looming.

Gibson said B.C. has been working with other provinces to cut red-tape barriers created by differences and duplication of standards and certifications. 

"(We're) really starting to feel like there's a commitment there to engage in new ways and see progress when we come together," she said.

Randall Zalazar, director of government relations for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said it was time for premiers to seize the momentum on internal trade.

"At a time of growing economic uncertainty, reducing trade barriers can provide a much-needed boost, bringing forward our economic potential in the face of (U.S.) President (Donald) Trump's threatened tariffs," he said.