Canada’s provincial chambers welcome progress on internal trade, urge governments to turn commitments into results

(TORONTO – August 31, 2026) – Provincial and territorial chambers of commerce are welcoming the progress made by federal, provincial, and territorial ministers responsible for internal trade at their meeting in Iqaluit, Nunavut last week, calling the announcements an important step toward building a stronger and more competitive Canadian economy. 

At a time of heightened uncertainty in Canada’s trading relationship with the United States, the commitments announced last week, including a 30-day labour mobility service standard, accelerated work toward model mutual-recognition legislation, and continued efforts to reduce barriers in services, food, and alcohol, demonstrate growing momentum behind the longstanding goal of creating a truly open Canadian market. 

The announcement aligns closely with Chambers of the Federation: An Agenda for a More Competitive Canada, the joint business framework presented by the chambers to Canada’s premiers in Charlottetown in July 2026. That agenda called on governments to move from commitment to implementation on internal trade, labour mobility, and regulatory alignment, while establishing clear timelines, accountability mechanisms, and public reporting through the Committee on Internal Trade. 

“As barriers to trade rise in the United States, Canada’s internal trade barriers must fall. These commitments are a sign that government is listening to businesses. The faster we build one Canadian market, the stronger, more competitive, and more resilient Canada will be.” 

— Daniel Tisch, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

“Five weeks ago, we asked premiers to accelerate their work on internal trade. Canada’s provinces and territories delivered. A 30-day labour standard in the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, a fall deadline for model mutual-recognition legislation, and a December target for services are the kind of specific, dated commitments businesses have been waiting for.” 

— Rhonda Tulk-Lane, President & CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce 

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About Chambers of the Federation 

The Chambers of the Federation initiative brings together provincial chambers of commerce and representatives of chambers in Canada’s territories to make policy recommendations to Canada’s premiers. The goal is to address shared challenges and unlock opportunities that benefit businesses, workers, and communities across Canada. 

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 

Background 

What ministers got right 

A time-bound path to one Canadian market 

Ministers agreed to reach an agreement in principle by the end of fall 2026 on model mutual-recognition legislation to create a common Canadian market and support labour mobility, tightening the end-of-2026 First Ministers commitment made in Charlottetown. Ministers will also reconvene on October 2, 2026, to review progress. 

An enforceable 30-day labour mobility standard 

Ratified amendments to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement establish a 30-day service standard for labour mobility applications, matching the standard chambers called for in July. The agreement also advances digital registries for tradespeople and common occupational health and safety training models to be recognized across jurisdictions by January 1, 2027. 

Services, food and alcohol moving on a clock 

Ministers committed to expanding the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement to services by December 2026, advancing Canadian Food Inspection Agency concierge support measures and a targeted interprovincial red meat exemption, while continuing work on alcoholic beverage trade building on the July Operating Agreement signed by nine premiers. 

Upcoming work 

The Iqaluit meeting advanced key elements of the July agenda on internal trade and labour mobility. Chambers of the Federation will measure the October 2 session, and the months that follow, against the remainder of that agenda. 

Time-bound regulatory reviews 

Mandate ministries and regulators to identify and remove high-impact interprovincial barriers within 12 to 24 months, supported by public progress tracking. 

Corridors and grid connections 

Identify and advance nationally significant trade and energy corridors and align capital planning with east-west electricity transmission and northern energy access priorities. 

Approvals for nation-building projects 

Adopt a pathways-to-yes approach that includes single-window approvals, aligned impact assessments, published priority-project timelines, and meaningful partnerships with Indigenous nations and communities. 

Procurement that builds domestic capacity 

Align procurement systems, prioritize economic benefits and supply-chain resilience, publish forward procurement pipelines, and pilot joint purchasing initiatives in strategic sectors. 

Supply-chain risk assessments 

Complete assessments of critical energy, food, and health-care supply chains within 12 to 18 months and implement contingency plans where vulnerabilities are identified. 

With Canada’s economic relationship with the United States facing renewed uncertainty, strengthening our domestic economy has never been more important. Building a truly seamless Canadian market will help businesses grow, attract investment, strengthen supply chains, and improve Canada’s competitiveness at a time when global economic conditions are becoming increasingly unpredictable. 

Chambers of the Federation will continue working with First Ministers, the Committee on Internal Trade, and business leaders across the country to ensure this week’s commitments translate into measurable results for businesses, workers, and communities.