The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce welcomes new commitments from federal, provincial and territorial governments to reduce internal trade barriers and make it easier for Canadian businesses and workers to operate across provincial borders.

At the recent Committee on Internal Trade meeting in Iqaluit, ministers agreed to advance several measures, including a 30-day service standard for labour mobility applications, model mutual-recognition legislation, and timelines to expand mutual recognition to services.

These commitments align closely with recommendations advanced by the Saskatchewan Chamber and its provincial and territorial counterparts through Chambers of the Federation: An Agenda for a More Competitive Canada, presented to Canada’s premiers in July. That agenda called for clear timelines, accountability and measurable progress on internal trade, labour mobility and regulatory alignment.

The Saskatchewan Chamber and Chambers of the Federation particularly welcome:

• A clear timeline for mutual recognition, with governments working toward an agreement in principle on model legislation by the end of fall 2026.
• Faster labour mobility, including a 30-day service standard for applications and continued work on digital credential recognition and occupational health and safety training.
• Expansion of mutual recognition to services, with an agreement targeted for December 2026.
• Continued action on interprovincial food and beverage trade, including measures aimed at reducing barriers for businesses operating across provincial borders.

For Saskatchewan businesses, reducing internal trade barriers means greater access to customers, workers and supply chains across Canada, while reducing unnecessary costs and administrative duplication.

More work remains. Chambers of the Federation continues to call for action on high-impact regulatory barriers, nationally significant trade and energy corridors, faster approvals for major projects, stronger domestic procurement and greater supply-chain resilience.

With continued uncertainty in Canada-U.S. trade, strengthening Canada’s domestic economy is increasingly important. Removing barriers between provinces and territories is one of the most direct opportunities we have to improve Canadian competitiveness and create new opportunities for Saskatchewan businesses.

The Saskatchewan Chamber will continue working with its Chambers of the Federation partners and governments across Canada to turn these commitments into meaningful, measurable results.

About Chambers of the Federation

Chambers of the Federation is a collaborative effort among Canada’s provincial and

territorial chambers of commerce, presenting a joint, business-informed policy agenda to the Council of the Federation each year in support of shared economic priorities. Learn more at chambersofthefederation.ca

ABOUT SASKATCHEWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce is a leading advocate for business in the province, committed to driving economic growth and championing a thriving business community. As the ‘Voice for Saskatchewan Business’, the Chamber represents the interests of over 10,000 individual businesses, industry associations, and local chambers. More information can be found at saskchamber.com or @SaskChamber on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Josie Fries

Vice President, Marketing & Operations

E: jfries@saskchamber.com    |    P: 306-781-3125