Portage Chamber taking action on inter-provincial trade barriers, commends province's efforts

Hamilton Spectator

23-05-2025

The Portage la Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce is applauding the Manitoba government for introducing new legislation that would reduce trade barriers among Canadian provinces, after recently sending a letter urging for swift action on the issue.
In a formal letter sent to Premier Wab Kinew and Economic Development Minister Jamie Moses earlier this month, the chamber praised the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed this spring, calling it a 'significant and forward-looking step' toward improving labour mobility, investment, and the free flow of goods and services between provinces.
Stefanie Dunn, executive director of the chamber, says the agreement must serve as a model for further action, which is why the Chamber wrote to legislators to do more.
'We're thrilled to see this announcement, but we need to build on this momentum,' Dunn said. 'Eliminating interprovincial trade barriers is something that's long overdue. It really wouldn't take much to get provinces around the table to harmonize standards and open up the labour market.'
Under the MOU, Manitoba and Ontario have agreed to streamline business regulations, improve credential recognition, and ease restrictions — including on direct-to-consumer alcohol sales — in an effort to boost economic ties. In 2021, trade between the two provinces totaled nearly $19.5 billion.
Dunn said that while that number is significant, the potential is even greater if more provinces follow suit.
'The agreement with Ontario is a strong start,' she said. 'But there's an exponentially larger opportunity if we take a national approach to removing outdated, fragmented policies that slow down trade within our own borders.'
The chamber's letter called on the Manitoba government to:
Dunn emphasized that these efforts are not just about economic growth, but about supporting small and medium-sized businesses that are already working hard to expand.
'Manitoba's economy is incredibly diverse — we're producing so much more than just agricultural goods,' she said. 'There's a lot of manufacturing, processing, and export-ready product coming out of the province. We need to make it easier for those businesses to grow beyond provincial borders.'
The chamber has long made advocacy one of its core missions, and Dunn said this development proves that even smaller voices outside major urban centres can have influence.
'Sometimes people think we're just a small player outside the perimeter,' she said. 'But we've shown that we can effect change. This MOU is a win — not just for Portage, but for all Manitobans.'
Dunn also acknowledged the provincial government's 'Buy Manitoba, Buy Canadian' campaign set to roll out on June 1, encouraging people to shop local.
'We always encourage people to shop Portage,' she said. 'Even when businesses bring in products from other places to stock their shelves, your dollars are staying in the community. Definitely support local and keep that circular economy going.'
As for what's next, Dunn says the chamber is ready to support further provincial efforts and is encouraging direct dialogue between business leaders and policymakers.
'We're definitely capable of making change,' she said. 'We're hopeful that momentum will continue.'
To find out more about the Chamber, visit.
www.portagedistrictchamber.com
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— Renée Lilley is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Portage Graphic. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.