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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ontario signs deals with Saskatchewan, P.E.I. and Alberta to reduce trade barriers
Amid economic uncertainty in Canada due in part to U.S. tariffs, the Ontario government has reached agreements with Saskatchewan, Alberta and Prince Edward Island, with the aim of taking steps to reduce trade barriers among the provinces. Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed separate memorandums of understanding (MOU) with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz in Saskatoon on Sunday ahead of a first ministers' meeting there. Ontario signed an MOU with Manitoba in May and with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in April. Ford, who held a news conference only with Moe about the MOU, said the province is "standing up for free trade" within Canada by signing such agreements, adding that they're an attempt to offset the impact of U.S. tariffs on the Canadian economy. "Our government is on a mission to protect Ontario and to protect Canada," he told reporters in Saskatoon. "At a time when President [Donald] Trump is taking direct aim at our economy — and make no mistake about it, he wants to annihilate our economy, no matter if it's manufacturing in Ontario or any other jurisdiction that he can get his hands on, bring it down to the U.S. — and we're going to fight like we've never fought before, not just to protect Ontario but to protect the rest of our our country." Ford said the agreement aims to not only increase the standard of living in Ontario and Saskatchewan but to improve investor confidence and allow for the free movement of their "best and most in-demand" workers. "We're doing this by reducing barriers to internal trade.... We need to build a more competitive, more resilient, more self-reliant Canadian economy." Saskatchewan's Moe said the MOU is "yet one more way that we are able to stand strong for our provinces, and collectively as provinces, stand strong for our country and all the people who call Canada home." He said both he and Ford have long been advocates of streamlining trade across the country. "It shouldn't be easier to trade with other countries than it is to trade between the Canadian provinces of our nation," Moe told reporters. "It's more important now, I would say, than ever for us to prioritize removing any and all barriers that we have that limit flow of trade and limit flow of professionals from moving across Canada," he said. "It's very greatly appreciated to have another like-minded province join us on that front and to continue to put words into action." Memo to strengthen respective economies, Moe says Moe said the MOU contains mutual recognition and reciprocity — in particular, mutual recognition of goods, workers and investment. The agreement will only strengthen their respective economies, benefit workers and businesses and enhance the Canadian economy, he said. According to the MOU, Ontario and Saskatchewan pledge to build on "enabling legislation" to remove internal trade barriers to boost the flow of goods, services, investment and workers, while maintaining and strengthening the levels of public safety. WATCH | Ontario and Manitoba sign deal to break down trade barriers: Ontario and Saskatchewan agreed that while working to remove trade barriers, they will respect the role of Crown corporations within some provincial industries, while Ontario and Alberta will respect the integrity and role of regulators. Ontario and the other three provinces also agreed to work on improving interprovincial labour mobility, saying they will aim to ensure any good, service or worker deemed acceptable in one province is also deemed acceptable in the other. As well, all agreed to work on a framework to implement a direct-to-consumer sales system of alcohol, "so that producers have easier access to market opportunities across the country, and so that consumers across Canada have greater choice and access to a broader selection of alcoholic beverages." 35% of trade occurs within Canada's borders, Ontario says In a news release on Sunday, Alberta's Smith said: "Together, Alberta and Ontario are taking a big step toward a more open, competitive and united economy." She added: "This agreement is about getting results, making it easier for people to work, do business and grow across provincial lines. It's time to stop letting outdated rules hold us back and show Canadians what real economic leadership looks like." Lantz said in the release: "By eliminating unnecessary trade barriers and streamlining labour mobility, we're fostering a more unified and competitive national economy. Our collaboration with Ontario underscores our commitment to one Canadian economy." According to the Ontario government, 35 per cent of Canada's trade takes place within its borders. In early March, the U.S. imposed tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian exports and 10 per cent on energy product exports from Canada. Later in March, the Trump administration introduced tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian steel and aluminum products, and in early April, it imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian automobiles. Trump has threatened to double the tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50 per cent on Wednesday.
CTV News
5 hours ago
- Business
- CTV News
Ontario inks trade deals with Saskatchewan and Alberta ahead of meeting with Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney, second from right, attends a meeting with representatives of Canada's energy sector in Calgary, Alta., Sunday, June 1, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh) SASKATOON — Alberta and Saskatchewan signed agreements with Ontario on Sunday to remove trade barriers ahead of a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney to hash out a plan they hope will supercharge the economy. The memorandum of understanding between Saskatchewan and Ontario sees both provinces mutually recognize each other's goods, workers and investment, while a statement from the Alberta government says its MOU with Ontario aims to improve the free flow of goods and services between the two provinces. The Alberta statement also says the agreement will simplify requirements for regulated professions such as skilled trades, making it easier for professionals to work across provincial boundaries. Both deals, which were signed in Saskatoon ahead of a first ministers meeting in the city Monday, pledge to advance measures that would see willing provinces allow the sale of alcohol directly to consumers. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the deals help grow provincial economies as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens more tariffs on Canadian steel. 'We're going to band together,' Ford said when talking about the agreement with Saskatchewan. 'We've never been attacked by any leader in the world like we have by President Trump. He doesn't give two hoots about Canada.' '(But) he's going to have a rude awakening. We're going to fight like we've never fought before.' It's Ford's latest deals with provinces to open trade, measures he says could unlock $200 billion in economic gains. Alberta said its agreement with Ontario also welcomes the possibility of Ontario joining the New West Partnership Trade Agreement, which has worked to streamline regulations and standards across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. 'It's time to stop letting outdated rules hold us back and show Canadians what real economic leadership looks like,' Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in a news release Sunday. The premiers are meeting Monday with Carney to discuss major nation-building projects that could boost the economy. Ford said the prime minister needs to remove regulations to make it easier to build projects. That includes scrapping the Impact Assessment Act, he said. 'It all depends on the speed right now (in getting projects built),' Ford said. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said he's hoping for a port-to-port corridor in Western Canada to ship more goods out of northern B.C. and Hudson Bay in northern Manitoba. 'It's the largest single opportunity that I've seen in my lifetime,' Moe said. 'All we need to do is come together, and then stand by side by side and defend the opportunities we have from a trade perspective. Defend them like hell.' Building more oil and gas pipelines must be part of Canada's future, Moe added. 'If we truly are going to become the strongest economy in the G7 nations, if we truly are going to become a global energy superpower, it means we need to open up the opportunity for all of our industries,' Moe said. 'I think (Carney) is aware that there's a feeling of alienation in certain areas of the nation.' Both Alberta and Saskatchewan have long had grievances with former prime minister Justin Trudeau, who they say made it difficult for the industry to build energy projects. Smith has said more pipelines are the only way to get more products to market efficiently and without one, there could be a national unity crisis. She has called on Carney to scrap the oil and gas emissions cap and clean electricity regulations, repeal industrial carbon pricing and overhaul regulations. But getting a pipeline through Quebec might be difficult. The province had opposed the former Energy East oil pipeline from Alberta and rejected the GNL Quebec project in Saguenay in 2021. However, Quebec Premier Francois Legault said last month he's open to some projects. Ford said all provinces must be on the same page for any pipeline to move forward. 'I hope (Legault) is going to bring a pipeline through,' he said. 'Last time I checked, Quebecers drive cars, they need gas.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2025.
Toronto Sun
5 hours ago
- Business
- Toronto Sun
Ontario inks trade deals with Saskatchewan, Alberta ahead of meeting
Published Jun 01, 2025 • Last updated 0 minutes ago • 3 minute read Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, left, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford shake hands during a media event to sign a memorandum of understanding in Saskatoon on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Photo by Liam Richards / THE CANADIAN PRESS SASKATOON — Alberta and Saskatchewan signed agreements with Ontario on Sunday to remove trade barriers ahead of a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney to hash out a plan they hope will supercharge the economy. The memorandum of understanding between Saskatchewan and Ontario sees both provinces mutually recognize each other's goods, workers and investment, while a statement from the Alberta government says its MOU with Ontario aims to improve the free flow of goods and services between the two provinces. The Alberta statement also says the agreement will simplify requirements for regulated professions such as skilled trades, making it easier for professionals to work across provincial boundaries. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Both deals, which were signed in Saskatoon ahead of a first ministers meeting in the city Monday, pledge to advance measures that would see willing provinces allow the sale of alcohol directly to consumers. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said the deals help grow provincial economies as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens more tariffs on Canadian steel. 'We're going to band together,' Ford said when talking about the agreement with Saskatchewan. 'We've never been attacked by any leader in the world like we have by President Trump. He doesn't give two hoots about Canada.' '(But) he's going to have a rude awakening. We're going to fight like we've never fought before.' It's Ford's latest deals with provinces to open trade, measures he says could unlock $200 billion in economic gains. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Alberta said its agreement with Ontario also welcomes the possibility of Ontario joining the New West Partnership Trade Agreement, which has worked to streamline regulations and standards across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. 'It's time to stop letting outdated rules hold us back and show Canadians what real economic leadership looks like,' Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in a news release Sunday. Read More The premiers are meeting Monday with Carney to discuss major nation-building projects that could boost the economy. Ford said the prime minister needs to remove regulations to make it easier to build projects. That includes scrapping the Impact Assessment Act, he said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It all depends on the speed right now (in getting projects built),' Ford said. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said he's hoping for a port-to-port corridor in Western Canada to ship more goods out of northern B.C. and Hudson Bay in northern Manitoba. 'It's the largest single opportunity that I've seen in my lifetime,' Moe said. 'All we need to do is come together, and then stand by side by side and defend the opportunities we have from a trade perspective. Defend them like hell.' Building more oil and gas pipelines must be part of Canada's future, Moe added. 'If we truly are going to become the strongest economy in the G7 nations, if we truly are going to become a global energy superpower, it means we need to open up the opportunity for all of our industries,' Moe said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I think (Carney) is aware that there's a feeling of alienation in certain areas of the nation.' RECOMMENDED VIDEO Both Alberta and Saskatchewan have long had grievances with former prime minister Justin Trudeau, who they say made it difficult for the industry to build energy projects. Smith has said more pipelines are the only way to get more products to market efficiently and without one, there could be a national unity crisis. She has called on Carney to scrap the oil and gas emissions cap and clean electricity regulations, repeal industrial carbon pricing and overhaul regulations. But getting a pipeline through Quebec might be difficult. The province had opposed the former Energy East oil pipeline from Alberta and rejected the GNL Quebec project in Saguenay in 2021. However, Quebec Premier Francois Legault said last month he's open to some projects. Ford said all provinces must be on the same page for any pipeline to move forward. 'I hope (Legault) is going to bring a pipeline through,' he said. 'Last time I checked, Quebecers drive cars, they need gas.' Editorial Cartoons World Toronto & GTA Sports Columnists
Toronto Sun
5 hours ago
- Business
- Toronto Sun
Ontario, Saskatchewan sign agreement to boost trade ahead of PM meeting
Published Jun 01, 2025 • 2 minute read Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, left, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford shake hands during a media event to sign a memorandum of understanding in Saskatoon on Sunday, June 1, 2025. Photo by Liam Richards / THE CANADIAN PRESS SASKATOON — Ontario and Saskatchewan signed an agreement Sunday to remove trade barriers ahead of a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney to hash out a plan they hope will supercharge the economy. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The memorandum of understanding sees both provinces mutually recognize each other's goods, workers and investment. They are also working to advance measures that would see willing provinces allow the sale of alcohol directly to consumers. Ontario Premier Doug Ford told reporters the move helps grow provincial economies as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens more tariffs on Canadian steel. 'We're going to band together,' Ford said. 'We've never been attacked by any leader in the world like we have by President Trump. He doesn't give two hoots about Canada. '(But) he's going to have a rude awakening. We're going to fight like we've never fought before.' It's Ford's latest deal with a province to open trade, measures he says could unlock $200 billion in economic gains. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Read More The premiers are meeting Monday with Carney to discuss major nation-building projects that could boost the economy. Ford said the prime minister needs to remove regulations to make it easier to build projects. That includes scrapping the Impact Assessment Act, he said. 'It all depends on the speed right now (in getting projects built),' Ford said. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said he's hoping for a port-to-port corridor in Western Canada to ship more goods out of northern B.C. and Hudson Bay in northern Manitoba. 'It's the largest single opportunity that I've seen in my lifetime,' Moe said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'All we need to do is come together, and then stand by side by side and defend the opportunities we have from a trade perspective. Defend them like hell.' Building more oil and gas pipelines must be part of Canada's future, Moe added. 'If we truly are going to become the strongest economy in the G7 nations, if we truly are going to become a global energy superpower, it means we need to open up the opportunity for all of our industries,' Moe said. 'I think (Carney) is aware that there's a feeling of alienation in certain areas of the nation.' RECOMMENDED VIDEO Both Alberta and Saskatchewan have long had grievances with former prime minister Justin Trudeau, who they say made it difficult for the industry to build energy projects. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said more pipelines are the only way to get more products to market efficiently and without one, there could be a national unity crisis. She has called on Carney to scrap the oil and gas emissions cap and clean electricity regulations, repeal industrial carbon pricing and overhaul regulations. But getting a pipeline through Quebec might be difficult. The province had opposed the former Energy East oil pipeline from Alberta and rejected the GNL Quebec project in Saguenay in 2021. However, Quebec Premier Francois Legault said last month he's open to some projects. Ford said all provinces must be on the same page for any pipeline to move forward. 'I hope (Legault) is going to bring a pipeline through,' he said. 'Last time I checked, Quebecers drive cars, they need gas.' Editorial Cartoons World Toronto & GTA Sports Columnists
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, left, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, right, signed a memorandum of understanding to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, in Saskatoon on Sunday.
Amid economic uncertainty in Canada due in part to U.S. tariffs, the Ontario government has reached agreements with Saskatchewan, Alberta and P.E.I., with the aim of taking steps to reduce trade barriers among the provinces. Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed separate memorandums of understanding (MOU) with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz in Saskatoon on Sunday ahead of a first ministers' meeting there. Ontario signed an MOU with Manitoba in May and with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in April. Ford, who only held a news conference with Moe about the MOU, said the province is "standing up for free trade" within Canada by signing such agreements, adding that they're an attempt to offset the impact of U.S. tariffs on the Canadian economy. "Our government is on a mission to protect Ontario and to protect Canada," he told reporters in Saskatoon. "At a time when President [Donald] Trump is taking direct aim at our economy — and make no mistake about it, he wants to annihilate our economy, no matter if it's manufacturing in Ontario or any other jurisdiction that he can get his hands on, bring it down to the U.S. — and we're going to fight like we've never fought before, not just to protect Ontario but to protect the rest of our our country." Ford said the agreement aims to not only increase the standard of living in Ontario and Saskatchewan but to improve investor confidence and allow for the free movement of their "best and most in-demand" workers. "We're doing this by reducing barriers to internal trade.... We need to build a more competitive, more resilient, more self-reliant Canadian economy." Saskatchewan's Moe said the MOU is "yet one more way that we are able to stand strong for our provinces, and collectively as provinces, stand strong for our country and all the people who call Canada home." He said both he and Ford have long been advocates of streamlining trade across the country. "It shouldn't be easier to trade with other countries than it is to trade between the Canadian provinces of our nation," Moe told reporters. "It's more important now, I would say, than ever for us to prioritize removing any and all barriers that we have that limit flow of trade and limit flow of professionals from moving across Canada," he added. "It's very greatly appreciated to have another like-minded province join us on that front and to continue to put words into action." WATCH | Ontario and Manitoba sign deal to break down trade barriers: Memo to strengthen respective economies, Moe says Moe said the MOU contains mutual recognition and reciprocity — in particular, mutual recognition of goods, workers and investment. The agreement will only strengthen their respective economies, benefit workers and businesses and enhance the Canadian economy, he said. According to the MOU, Ontario and Saskatchewan pledge to build on "enabling legislation" to remove internal trade barriers to boost the flow of goods, services, investment and workers, while maintaining and strengthening the levels of public safety and respecting the role of Crown corporations within some provincial industries. Both provinces agreed to work on improving interprovincial labour mobility, saying they will aim to ensure any good, service or worker deemed acceptable in one province is also deemed acceptable in the other. As well, both agreed to work on a framework to implement a direct-to-consumer sales system of alcohol, "so that producers have easier access to market opportunities across the country, and so that consumers across Canada have greater choice and access to a broader selection of alcoholic beverages." 35% of Canada's trade takes place within its borders, Ontario says In a news release on Sunday, Alberta's Smith said: "Together, Alberta and Ontario are taking a big step toward a more open, competitive and united economy." Smith added: "This agreement is about getting results, making it easier for people to work, do business and grow across provincial lines. It's time to stop letting outdated rules hold us back and show Canadians what real economic leadership looks like." Lantz said in the release: "By eliminating unnecessary trade barriers and streamlining labour mobility, we're fostering a more unified and competitive national economy. Our collaboration with Ontario underscores our commitment to one Canadian economy." According to the Ontario government, 35 per cent of Canada's trade takes place within its borders. In early March, the U.S. imposed tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian exports and 10 per cent on energy product exports from Canada. Later in March, the U.S. imposed tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian steel and aluminum products. In early April, the U.S. imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian automobiles. Trump has threatened to double the tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50 per cent on Wednesday.
