Ontario Signs Trade Agreements with Western and Atlantic Provinces to Boost Internal Trade Amid U.S. Tariffs

Saskatoon, The Gulf Observer: In a move aimed at strengthening Canada’s internal economy amid growing external trade tensions, Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed a series of memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on Sunday with the premiers of Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Prince Edward Island to reduce interprovincial trade barriers. The agreements were signed ahead of a first ministers’ meeting in Saskatoon.

The MOUs follow similar agreements Ontario signed earlier this year with Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, forming a growing coalition of provinces seeking to streamline trade and labour mobility across Canada. Premier Ford described the initiative as a bold step toward protecting the Canadian economy in light of increasing trade pressures from the United States.

“Our government is on a mission to protect Ontario and to protect Canada,” Ford said during a joint news conference with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. “At a time when President Donald Trump is taking direct aim at our economy… we’re going to fight like we’ve never fought before—not just to protect Ontario, but to protect the rest of our country.”

The Ontario government stated that roughly 35% of Canada’s trade occurs within its own borders, highlighting the importance of eliminating internal trade barriers. The newly signed MOUs aim to improve investor confidence, enhance the standard of living, and support the free movement of goods, services, and workers across provincial lines.

The agreements include commitments to:

• Mutual recognition of goods, services, and professional credentials between provinces;
• Strengthen labour mobility by ensuring workers certified in one province are accepted in another;
• Support direct-to-consumer alcohol sales across provinces, offering producers broader markets and consumers increased choice;
• Respect the role of Crown corporations and regulatory integrity in provinces where applicable.

Premier Moe emphasized the importance of internal economic cooperation, stating, “It shouldn’t be easier to trade with other countries than it is to trade between the Canadian provinces of our nation.” He added that mutual recognition and reciprocity would benefit workers, businesses, and the broader Canadian economy.

Premier Danielle Smith of Alberta called the agreement “a big step toward a more open, competitive and united economy,” while P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz said the collaboration marked a commitment to “one Canadian economy.”

The push for interprovincial economic unity comes in the wake of steep tariffs imposed by the United States, including a 25% levy on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobiles, with President Trump threatening to double tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50%.

The Ontario government described the MOUs as part of a broader mission to build a “more competitive, more resilient, more self-reliant Canadian economy”—one that can better withstand external shocks and grow through stronger interprovincial cooperation.