Digging into the One Canadian Economy Act

Bill C-5 aims to lower barriers to free trade within Canada, and create a fast-track system for approvals for big infrastructure projects.
Canada cannot waste its best chance for internal trade reform since Confederation

Beyond the barriers it directly controls, federal engagement and co-ordination is fundamental to mitigating provincial barriers.
Unlocking Canada’s full economic potential by harmonizing regulations

Each province operates under its own building codes, material certification requirements, and procurement policies, which often fail to align with each other.
Despite the hype, transforming the Canadian economy requires more than modest reform

If Canada is serious about boosting long-term growth, we need to go further, pairing the targeted regulatory cleanup now underway with big-lift reforms and investments that will have a more substantial impact.
More trade, not less protection for workers

Lower trade barriers cannot mean lower standards. If we harmonize, aim high or don’t bother.
‘Unusual time’ for lobbying in first quarter of 2025, with economic concerns topping communications

Ron Bedard, president and CEO of ArcelorMittal Dofasco, the top company that lobbied the government in the first quarter, says the U.S. tariffs represent an ‘existential threat to the Canadian steel industry.’
Internal trade a complement, not a solution, to reduced trade with U.S., say economists

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government tabled much-anticipated legislation on June 6 intended to remove interprovincial trade barriers, ease labour mobility, and help expedite major projects.
A modern economy requires more than shared borders

A modern economy needs shared standards, interoperable infrastructure, and a workforce free to move where it is most needed.
Trade barriers and trucking: unified political fortitude needed to push through the noise

Trade barriers impeding supply chains and slowing down economic trade include: aligning and improving winter road maintenance standards; increased access to rest areas for truck drivers; and completing work and expanding critical highway connections to trade corridors.
Climate policy is economic policy

An energy vision for Canada that includes achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 is needed to shape our actions, policies, and investments.