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Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GDP could grow by $70B if Quebec removes trade barriers: report
OTTAWA – The Quebec government could boost the Canadian economy by approximately $69.9 billion if it removes trade barriers with the rest of the country, a think tank in the province estimates. According to a new study by the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI), the signing of an agreement between Quebec and Ontario alone would increase Canada's GDP by approximately $32.2 billion. 'Premier François Legault should follow Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston's approach and adopt mutual recognition laws with the rest of the country,' said Trevor Tombe, a professor of economics at the University of Calgary and senior fellow at the MEI. Nova Scotia legislature recently adopted the Free Trade and Mobility Within Canada Act, or Bill 36, that will ease interprovincial commerce with provinces that reciprocate. The province will accept, without testing or additional fees, any product approved for use in the other province, even if it does not meet local standards. The law also applies to licensed services and professionals. Ontario, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island have also joined the party, with measures to reciprocate Nova Scotia and increase trade. 'It's one of the surest and lowest-cost ways for provincial governments to unleash Canadian productivity growth,' said Tombe. So far, all these measures are leading the way to internal free trade zones with the potential to boost the country's economy substantially, according to MEI. For example, Ontario and Nova Scotia alone could boost the Canadian economy by nearly $4.1 billion. However, all eyes are on Quebec's next move because of its numerous regulations. The office of Quebec's Minister Delegate for the Economy Christopher Skeete told National Post that the government intends on introducing a bill 'very soon.' 'We should welcome the provinces' willingness to reduce interprovincial trade barriers. Quebec is working on its own, and we welcome the bills from other provinces,' said the minister's spokesperson Léa Fortin in a text message. In the past, Skeete has said that Quebec 'is ambitiously committed to improving the local business environment.' But when it comes to reciprocal measures with Nova Scotia and other provinces, it's not clear if the province is ready to make that step. In fact, Quebec's members of the National Assembly (MNA) don't seem too excited with the notion of 'one Canadian economy instead of 13' proposed by Prime Minister Mark Carney. In April, a motion opposing such project was adopted unanimously by the parties at the National Assembly. The motion reaffirmed Quebec's right 'to protect its own interests, particularly economic, cultural, and linguistic, based on its distinct priorities and social values, while working to reduce barriers to interprovincial trade.' The prime minister's Quebec lieutenant Steven Guilbeault was present during the first meeting between Carney and Premier François Legault and said Wednesday that during that conversation, both sides 'were on the same wavelength, in that the more we are able to remove barriers like that, the more beneficial it will be for trade in Quebec and Canada.' The study by MEI comes as Internal trade Minister Chrystia Freeland is set to meet with her provincial counterparts on Thursday and Monday. Minister Skeete will attend the meetings and is said to be ready to present new measures on internal trade Friday. Quebec is participating in negotiations to conclude a mutual recognition agreement applicable to all consumer goods, except for food, beverages and tobacco. The province has already announced that the Société des alcools du Québec (the province's liquor board) will provide greater visibility to Canadian and Quebec products and is also committed to improving trade through a direct-to-consumer sales system. Quebec also dropped five exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement and is looking to do more. 'Minister Freeland is encouraged by the great progress provinces have made, with many reaching agreements and introducing legislation, so that residents, businesses, and workers in these provinces will have better access to goods, services, and a larger market,' said Laura Scaffidi who is the minister's spokesperson. Tombe believes that 'the growing momentum to eliminate internal barriers to trade in Canada is promising,' but Quebec and the country would be 'much more prosperous' if the province were to join the interprovincial free trade zone. National Post atrepanier@ Get more deep-dive National Post political coverage and analysis in your inbox with the Political Hack newsletter, where Ottawa bureau chief Stuart Thomson and political analyst Tasha Kheiriddin get at what's really going on behind the scenes on Parliament Hill every Wednesday and Friday, exclusively for subscribers Sign up here. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our newsletters here.
Vancouver Sun
29-05-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
GDP could grow by $70B if Quebec removes trade barriers: report
OTTAWA – The Quebec government could boost the Canadian economy by approximately $69.9 billion if it removes trade barriers with the rest of the country, a think tank in the province estimates. According to a new study by the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI), the signing of an agreement between Quebec and Ontario alone would increase Canada's GDP by approximately $32.2 billion. 'Premier François Legault should follow Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston's approach and adopt mutual recognition laws with the rest of the country,' said Trevor Tombe, a professor of economics at the University of Calgary and senior fellow at the MEI. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Nova Scotia legislature recently adopted the Free Trade and Mobility Within Canada Act, or Bill 36, that will ease interprovincial commerce with provinces that reciprocate. The province will accept, without testing or additional fees, any product approved for use in the other province, even if it does not meet local standards. The law also applies to licensed services and professionals. Ontario, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island have also joined the party, with measures to reciprocate Nova Scotia and increase trade. 'It's one of the surest and lowest-cost ways for provincial governments to unleash Canadian productivity growth,' said Tombe. So far, all these measures are leading the way to internal free trade zones with the potential to boost the country's economy substantially, according to MEI. For example, Ontario and Nova Scotia alone could boost the Canadian economy by nearly $4.1 billion. However, all eyes are on Quebec's next move because of its numerous regulations. The office of Quebec's Minister Delegate for the Economy Christopher Skeete told National Post that the government intends on introducing a bill 'very soon.' 'We should welcome the provinces' willingness to reduce interprovincial trade barriers. Quebec is working on its own, and we welcome the bills from other provinces,' said the minister's spokesperson Léa Fortin in a text message. In the past, Skeete has said that Quebec 'is ambitiously committed to improving the local business environment.' But when it comes to reciprocal measures with Nova Scotia and other provinces, it's not clear if the province is ready to make that step. In fact, Quebec's members of the National Assembly (MNA) don't seem too excited with the notion of 'one Canadian economy instead of 13' proposed by Prime Minister Mark Carney. In April, a motion opposing such project was adopted unanimously by the parties at the National Assembly. The motion reaffirmed Quebec's right 'to protect its own interests, particularly economic, cultural, and linguistic, based on its distinct priorities and social values, while working to reduce barriers to interprovincial trade.' The prime minister's Quebec lieutenant Steven Guilbeault was present during the first meeting between Carney and Premier François Legault and said Wednesday that during that conversation, both sides 'were on the same wavelength, in that the more we are able to remove barriers like that, the more beneficial it will be for trade in Quebec and Canada.' The study by MEI comes as Internal trade Minister Chrystia Freeland is set to meet with her provincial counterparts on Thursday and Monday. Minister Skeete will attend the meetings and is said to be ready to present new measures on internal trade Friday. Quebec is participating in negotiations to conclude a mutual recognition agreement applicable to all consumer goods, except for food, beverages and tobacco. The province has already announced that the Société des alcools du Québec (the province's liquor board) will provide greater visibility to Canadian and Quebec products and is also committed to improving trade through a direct-to-consumer sales system. Quebec also dropped five exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement and is looking to do more. 'Minister Freeland is encouraged by the great progress provinces have made, with many reaching agreements and introducing legislation, so that residents, businesses, and workers in these provinces will have better access to goods, services, and a larger market,' said Laura Scaffidi who is the minister's spokesperson. Tombe believes that 'the growing momentum to eliminate internal barriers to trade in Canada is promising,' but Quebec and the country would be 'much more prosperous' if the province were to join the interprovincial free trade zone. National Post atrepanier@ Get more deep-dive National Post political coverage and analysis in your inbox with the Political Hack newsletter, where Ottawa bureau chief Stuart Thomson and political analyst Tasha Kheiriddin get at what's really going on behind the scenes on Parliament Hill every Wednesday and Friday, exclusively for subscribers Sign up here . Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our newsletters here .
Ottawa Citizen
29-05-2025
- Business
- Ottawa Citizen
GDP could grow by $70B if Quebec removes trade barriers: report
OTTAWA – The Quebec government could boost the Canadian economy by approximately $69.9 billion if it removes trade barriers with the rest of the country, a think tank in the province estimates. Article content Article content According to a new study by the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI), the signing of an agreement between Quebec and Ontario alone would increase Canada's GDP by approximately $32.2 billion. Article content Article content 'Premier François Legault should follow Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston's approach and adopt mutual recognition laws with the rest of the country,' said Trevor Tombe, a professor of economics at the University of Calgary and senior fellow at the MEI. Article content Article content Nova Scotia legislature recently adopted the Free Trade and Mobility Within Canada Act, or Bill 36, that will ease interprovincial commerce with provinces that reciprocate. Article content The province will accept, without testing or additional fees, any product approved for use in the other province, even if it does not meet local standards. The law also applies to licensed services and professionals. Article content Ontario, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island have also joined the party, with measures to reciprocate Nova Scotia and increase trade. Article content 'It's one of the surest and lowest-cost ways for provincial governments to unleash Canadian productivity growth,' said Tombe. Article content Article content So far, all these measures are leading the way to internal free trade zones with the potential to boost the country's economy substantially, according to MEI. Article content For example, Ontario and Nova Scotia alone could boost the Canadian economy by nearly $4.1 billion. Article content However, all eyes are on Quebec's next move because of its numerous regulations. Article content The office of Quebec's Minister Delegate for the Economy Christopher Skeete told National Post that the government intends on introducing a bill 'very soon.' Article content 'We should welcome the provinces' willingness to reduce interprovincial trade barriers. Quebec is working on its own, and we welcome the bills from other provinces,' said the minister's spokesperson Léa Fortin in a text message. Article content In the past, Skeete has said that Quebec 'is ambitiously committed to improving the local business environment.' But when it comes to reciprocal measures with Nova Scotia and other provinces, it's not clear if the province is ready to make that step.
CBS News
08-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Maryland Gov. Moore to sign several bills into law following end of 2025 legislative session
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore will sign more than 90 bills into law Tuesday following the end of the 2025 legislative session. When the session got underway in January , lawmakers shared several priorities, including addressing a $3 billion deficit, increasing economic growth, and lowering crime. Of the 94 bills that Gov. Moore will sign on Tuesday, several aim to improve public safety and reduce crime in the state. House Bill 421 and corresponding Senate Bill 36 dictate that the money from the state's 911 Trust Fund be used to support the 988 suicide prevention hotline. HB189 and Senate Bill 187 require the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to disqualify a person from driving a commercial vehicle for one year if they are found to be driving under the influence of alcohol. House Bill 136 and Senate Bill 199 require that the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy assume the responsibility of paying a healthcare provider for caring for victims of alleged rape or sexual assault. This used to be the responsibility of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board. House Bill 12 allows the Alcohol, Tobacco and Cannabis Commission to issue citations to individuals who violate a law preventing the sale of certain THC products. Some of the other bills being signed on Tuesday address smaller policy changes. Senate Bill 258 and House Bill 40 change the fee for sport fishing licenses from $20.50 to $32 for residents and from $30.50 to $55 for nonresidents. Another bill, SB196, clarifies that fees collected from electronic transactions are owed to the state rather than a third party. An energy reform legislative package and bills to protect consumers from utility spending are also heading to the governor's desk. The Maryland General Assembly passed the 2026 budget on Sine Die, the final day of the session. The budget included tax and fee increases along with some spending cuts to close the $3.3 billion deficit. "I'm proud of the budget deal we crafted with the Maryland General Assembly to flip the deficit we inherited into a surplus, while ensuring 94% of Marylanders get either an income tax cut or see no change in their income taxes," Gov. Moore said in a statement. "Our expungement bill will provide second chances to more Marylanders, so they can become part of our economic future," the governor added. "We made record investments in education while addressing commonsense adjustments to the Blueprint, which will improve education for all Maryland students." The $67 billion budget creates new tax brackets for the highest earners in the state, which some Republican lawmakers continued to express concerns about. "It's really scary for the six million Marylanders this new budget falls on," said Del. Stuart Schmidt, a Republican from Anne Arundel County. "I mean, the highest tax increase we've ever had in the state of Maryland, it's scary."
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Georgia governor signs ‘religious freedom' bill, vowing the state still is ‘no place for hate'
Sen. Ed Setzler pitches his RFRA bill at an April 1 press conference. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp kicked off the final day of the 2025 legislative session by signing Senate Bill 36, also known as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), into law, appeasing some Georgian residents who have been calling for stronger protections under state law for free exercise of religion. The bill mirrors federal legislation that has been in place since 1993, and imposes new restrictions on state and local governments' ability to 'substantially burden a person's exercise of religion' unless it is 'in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest.' It gained final passage out of the House on April 2 in a 96-70 vote that fell largely along party lines. Democrats in particular have opposed the bill, arguing that without statewide civil rights protections, a RFRA law would allow Georgians greater leeway to discriminate against LGBTQ people and religious minorities. Establishing new religious protections under state law has been a goal of the Georgia GOP since shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in 2015. The bill's sponsor, Acworth Republican Sen. Ed Setzler, first introduced the legislation nearly a decade ago during the 2016 legislative session. The same year, a similar religious freedom bill passed out of the Georgia Legislature, but was ultimately vetoed by then-Governor Nathan Deal, who said he wanted to keep Georgia 'a welcoming state.' Prior to Deal's veto, some of Georgia's largest employers, including Coca Cola and Delta Air Lines, warned that the RFRA bill that the Legislature passed would create a law that made recruiting essential workers more difficult. In a speech immediately after signing the bill, Kemp downplayed concerns that the bill could increase discrimination, drawing parallels between RFRA and legislation from previous sessions aimed at combating hate crimes in the wake of Ahmaud Arbery's murder and heightening statewide protections against antisemitism. 'Today I signed SB 36, also known as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, or RFRA, ensuring that once again at the state level, that Georgians are protected, including Georgians of faith,' he said. 'I wanted to let everybody know that despite signing that legislation, Georgia still remains a state that has no place for hate, and I can assure all Georgians of that today.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
