Quebec has introduced legislation aimed at removing longstanding barriers to interprovincial trade. Minister for the Economy Christopher Skeete tabled a bill that would allow goods from other provinces and territories to be sold on May 30, 2025, used, or consumed in Quebec without additional regulatory compliance.
The bill also includes provisions to recognize professional certifications from other provinces, easing labour mobility across Canada.
This move positions Quebec as the fifth province to introduce such legislation, following Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Manitoba. The Montreal Economic Institute (MEI) has commended the bill as a "major breakthrough" for interprovincial trade, noting that the complete elimination of trade barriers between Quebec and the rest of Canada could potentially increase the national GDP by $69.9 billion.
The urgency behind this legislative action is underscored by recent economic challenges, including the threat of US tariffs on Canadian goods.
In the first quarter of 2025, Canada's GDP grew by 2.2 percent, driven in part by efforts to mitigate the impact of potential trade disruptions. By reducing internal trade barriers, Quebec aims to bolster its economy and enhance resilience against external shocks.
While the bill has been largely welcomed, some experts caution that the benefits will depend on the scope of exceptions the government may apply.
The legislation grants the government the authority to exclude certain goods from the new trade rules, provided these exceptions are publicly disclosed. The MEI has emphasized that the broader the list of exceptions, the more limited the potential economic benefits.
This legislative initiative reflects a growing consensus among Canadian provinces to enhance internal trade and economic cooperation.
The bill also includes provisions to recognize professional certifications from other provinces, easing labour mobility across Canada.
This move positions Quebec as the fifth province to introduce such legislation, following Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Manitoba. The Montreal Economic Institute (MEI) has commended the bill as a "major breakthrough" for interprovincial trade, noting that the complete elimination of trade barriers between Quebec and the rest of Canada could potentially increase the national GDP by $69.9 billion.
The urgency behind this legislative action is underscored by recent economic challenges, including the threat of US tariffs on Canadian goods.
In the first quarter of 2025, Canada's GDP grew by 2.2 percent, driven in part by efforts to mitigate the impact of potential trade disruptions. By reducing internal trade barriers, Quebec aims to bolster its economy and enhance resilience against external shocks.
While the bill has been largely welcomed, some experts caution that the benefits will depend on the scope of exceptions the government may apply.
The legislation grants the government the authority to exclude certain goods from the new trade rules, provided these exceptions are publicly disclosed. The MEI has emphasized that the broader the list of exceptions, the more limited the potential economic benefits.
This legislative initiative reflects a growing consensus among Canadian provinces to enhance internal trade and economic cooperation.
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