🍁 Unite Canada by Removing Interprovincial Trade Barriers

🔹 International trade now outpaces interprovincial trade by 66%, a sharp reversal from 1981 when interprovincial trade was 40% higher.

🔹 Removing these barriers will lessen Canada’s dependence on U.S. trade.

Canada International Exports Breakdown By Importing Country 1997 vs. 2023

📌 Constitution of Canada, Section 121:

"All Articles of the Growth, Produce, or Manufacture of any one of the Provinces shall, from and after the Union, be admitted free into each of the other Provinces."

⚠️ The Worrisome Trend:

🔹 2022: International trade dominates, 66% higher than interprovincial trade.

• International Exports: $691B
• Interprovincial Exports: $415B

🔹 1981: Canada traded more within its borders; interprovincial trade was 40% higher than international trade.

• International Exports: $147B
• Interprovincial Exports: $205B

(Values in 2017 dollars)

🚧 Key Barriers to Interprovincial Trade:

• 1️⃣ Regulatory Differences: Different provincial regulations increase compliance costs and create barriers to entry, especially in industries like transportation and manufacturing.
• 2️⃣ Occupational Licensing Requirements: Unique certification rules restrict labour mobility and job opportunities across provinces.
• 3️⃣ Supply Management Systems: Provincial quotas and marketing boards limit the free flow of supply-managed agricultural products such as dairy and eggs.

Interesting Fact:

The U.S. has one securities regulator (SEC), while Canada has 13 😲, one for each of its 10 provinces and 3 territories!

Interprovincial trade barriers stifle economic growth, limit job opportunities, and make Canada less competitive. It’s time to break these obstacles and unlock the full potential of interprovincial trade.

🍁 Let’s build a stronger, more united Canada 🍁