Canada’s Chambers of the Federation Welcome Landmark Agreement to Expand Internal Trade

(CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI – July 22, 2026) – Today, Canada’s provincial chambers of commerce welcomed an agreement by nine provinces to enable direct-to-consumer sales of alcoholic beverages across provincial borders. The agreement advances a key priority championed by the Chambers of the Federation to strengthen Canada’s internal market and reduce barriers to trade.

The Chambers of the Federation issued the following statement:

“Today, it became easier for Canadians to buy Canadian wine, beer, and spirits from another province than it has been in generations.

“That’s a win for consumers, a win for producers, and a win for Canada’s economy.

“Premiers have taken an important step from commitment to implementation. This is what progress on internal trade looks like.

“But this agreement should be the floor, not the ceiling. We encourage premiers to carry this same momentum into labour mobility, regulatory harmonization, procurement modernization, and the nation-building infrastructure projects Canada needs to compete and grow.

“Every internal trade barrier we remove helps Canadian businesses scale, strengthens our economic resilience, and makes Canada more competitive in an increasingly uncertain global market.”

The Chambers of the Federation have made internal trade reform a central advocacy priority over the past year, including through a joint letter to Canada’s premiers, recommendations advanced at the One Canada Summit, and a shared policy framework presented this week, calling for accelerated action to build a more competitive and self-reliant Canadian economy.

Signatories

• Rhonda Tulk-Lane, President & CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce; Chair, Chambers of the Federation
• Daniel Tisch, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
• Véronique Proulx, President & CEO, Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec
• Chuck Davidson, President & CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
• Jen Riley, President & CEO, British Columbia Chamber of Commerce
• Shauna Feth, President & CEO, Alberta Chambers of Commerce
• Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce

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About the Chambers of the Federation

Chambers of the Federation is a collaborative effort among Canada’s provincial and territorial chambers of commerce, presenting a joint, business-informed policy agenda to the Council of the Federation each year in support of shared economic priorities. Learn more at chambersofthefederation.ca.

About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC convenes, mobilizes, and empowers business and local chambers in pursuit of its purpose: to bring inclusive and sustainable prosperity to Ontario’s businesses, workers, and communities.

Andrea Carmona
Director of Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ.ca | Mobile: 647-234-0255