Conservatives to Introduce Free Trade and Mobility Act to Strengthen Economic Ties Across Canada
“For too long, outdated regulations and bureaucratic barriers have held back businesses, workers, and consumers”
-John Rustad, MLA and Leader of the Official Opposition Conservative Party of British Columbia
VICTORIA, BC – Today, BC Conservative Leader John Rustad announced that next week he will introduce the Free Trade and Mobility within Canada Act, 2025, a bold step toward eliminating barriers to trade, services, and workforce mobility between provinces. This legislation aims to unlock economic potential, reduce red tape, and ensure that British Columbians benefit from freer and fairer commerce within Canada.
“For too long, outdated regulations and bureaucratic barriers have held back businesses, workers, and consumers,” said John Rustad, MLA and Leader of the Official Opposition Conservative Party of British Columbia. “Our Free Trade and Mobility Act ensures that if something is good enough for another province, it’s good enough for British Columbia.”
The proposed legislation would:
- Remove restrictions on trade in goods, services, and investments between British Columbia and other provinces and territories.
- Recognize equivalent certifications from other provinces, allowing skilled workers and service providers to operate in B.C. without unnecessary re-licensing or additional testing.
- Ensure regulatory cooperation between licensing bodies to facilitate seamless worker mobility and business operations.
Under this bill, goods produced and approved in other provinces will be treated as if they were made in B.C., preventing unnecessary duplication of standards, fees, or testing. Likewise, professionals licensed elsewhere in Canada will no longer face redundant certification processes in B.C.
Rustad criticized the NDP government for failing to champion interprovincial trade and economic freedom. “The NDP has done nothing to break down these barriers. Instead, their policies have made it harder for businesses and workers to succeed,” said Rustad. “The Conservative Party of BC is stepping up to lead where the NDP has failed.”
The Free Trade and Mobility within Canada Act will put B.C. at the forefront of economic cooperation, ensuring businesses and workers can thrive without unnecessary provincial restrictions. The legislation also respects provincial sovereignty while aligning with the principles of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.
“British Columbians deserve an economy that works for them,” added Rustad. “This bill is about economic freedom, opportunity, and common sense.”
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Media Contact: [email protected]
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