From left to right: Minister Victor Fedeli (Ontario), Minister Cory Deagle (Prince Edward Island), Minister Christopher Skeete (Québec), Minister Sandy Silver (Yukon), Deputy Premier Siobhan Coady (Newfoundland and Labrador), Minister Diana Gibson (British Columbia), Minister Anita Anand (Canada), Minister Warren Kaeding (Saskatchewan), Minister Caitlin Cleveland (Northwest Territories), Minister David Akeeagok (Nunavut), Minister Matt Jones (Alberta), Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours (New Brunswick), and Minister Jamie Moses (Manitoba).
Toronto, Ontario – January 31, 2025
Canada is currently navigating an era of unprecedented economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Global instability, shifting trade dynamics, and the impending threat of a 25% tariff from the United States on all Canadian products underscores the urgent need for bold and decisive action. Now is the time to continue to strengthen our domestic market, reduce barriers to internal trade, and create new opportunities that support Canadian businesses, workers, and communities.
At the direction of Canada’s First Ministers, the Committee on Internal Trade (CIT) convened today in Toronto, January 31, 2025, to engage in meaningful discussions focused on advancing concrete measures to facilitate internal trade and strengthen Canada’s economy. These discussions reflect our collective commitment to fostering economic growth, promoting resilience against external threats, and expanding opportunities for Canadians in every region of the country.
Chaired by Minister Cleveland of the Government of the Northwest Territories, the meeting was both constructive and collaborative, underscoring the importance of a unified approach between federal, provincial, and territorial governments to promote pan-Canadian trade, and ensuring Canadian businesses and workers can thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy.
As part of our deliberations, we discussed enhancing internal trade in Canada, including the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, mutual recognition, labour mobility and other sectoral priorities that will make it easier to do business within Canada. As a result of significant discussion, collaboration, and good faith, our next steps will be to share our strong recommendations with First Ministers. We have also committed to a follow-up meeting to maintain progress.
This meeting marks an important step towards achieving a more open and integrated domestic Canadian market. We are determined to maintain this momentum, and our discussions and agreed upon recommendations today have set the stage for continued progress.