Needs of industry, businesses and labour to be directly included in legislation, says government
The federal government has launched public consultations as it seeks to develop regulations for the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act.
This month, the government is meeting with stakeholders, industry, and labour representatives through a series of roundtable meetings.
Ottawa will hold in-person and virtual meetings across the country in cooperation with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Sessions will include hundreds of representatives from a wide range of key industries, including agriculture and agri-food, manufacturing, labour, and transportation.
“We are listening to and answering the calls from business and industry to remove barriers to trade between Canada’s provinces and territories,” said Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade. “We are working with them every step of the way to remove federal red tape and give Canadians lower prices and more choice. Together, we will build the strongest economy in the G7.”
Reducing barriers to labour mobility
The legislation will reduce federal barriers to interprovincial trade and labour mobility by recognising comparable provincial or territorial regulatory requirements, according to the government. It ensures that Canadian workers and businesses face fewer obstacles as they move goods, provide services, and pursue opportunities to work across the country, Ottawa noted.
As part of the implementation of the act, the government is developing regulations to specify requirements, including what makes federal requirements comparable to existing provincial and territorial ones, as well as any potential exceptions to the act to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians, their social and economic well-being, and the environment.
Canada’s Bill C-5—titled One Canadian Economy: An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act—provides a framework to recognise provincial and territorial licences and certifications for workers. It came into effect late in June.
Previously, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) called on governments to address the labour quality and mobility issues that small businesses are currently experiencing.
Public feedback on labour regulations
Meanwhile, Ottawa has also launched public consultations in the development of the regulations. Interested parties can submit their feedback to: [email protected].
The government is encouraging stakeholders to provide a rationale or evidence for their input, wherever possible. Ottawa is accepting written submissions until Aug. 22.
“All feedback received will be considered in the development of the regulations,” said the government.
Eliminating barriers to internal trade will lower prices on everyday items, give Canadians greater choice, and increase productivity, adding up to $200 billion to the economy, Ottawa noted.
