Manitoba, B.C. reach deal to boost interprovincial trade, Kinew says

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This article was published 06/06/2025 (426 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba and British Columbia have agreed to break down interprovincial trade barriers, Premier Wab Kinew announced Friday.

Kinew plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with the province, he said at a Manitoba Chambers of Commerce breakfast.

It’s the latest commitment by Manitoba in the leadup to Canada Day — Prime Minister Mark Carney’s deadline for free trade across the country.

“Some of the biggest markets in Canada (are) open for business, and Manitoba is going to be able to cash in and do our part to build up Team Canada,” Kinew told a crowd of roughly 500 people.

The provincial government recently passed Bill 47, which removes trade barriers for goods and services between Manitoba and reciprocating jurisdictions in Canada that have similar mutual recognition rules.

The move will help manufacturers and food producers, among others, Business Minister Jamie Moses said earlier this week. For example, red tape on differing food package label requirements will be smoothed over.

All paperwork on Bill 47 regulations will be completed by July 1, Kinew said.

Trucking regulation harmonization across the country is ongoing, he said, adding Manitoba is working with Ottawa and other provinces.

Nova Scotia has circled Manitoba as a mutually recognized province, Moses said Tuesday. Ontario, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick have introduced or passed similar legislation to Bill 47.

Manitoba signed a memorandum of understanding with Ontario last month. The deal, meant to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, includes a focus on direct-to-consumer alcohol sales and improved labour mobility.

Ontario is Canada’s biggest market, Kinew noted Friday, adding he’s “bullish” on the opportunities Manitoba businesses will have.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com