Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been in Biarritz, France the past few days spending an awful lot of time talking about expanding or defending Canada’s trade interests.
That’s exactly what we want from a prime minister.
Too bad he isn’t doing enough to encourage trade at home. Which is why it is news that representatives from Alberta’s new government are in Toronto to lay the groundwork for free trade talks between the provinces.
The talks, if successful, could see Ontario join the New West Partnership, a quasi-free trade deal that encompasses British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Isn’t it crazy to think about needing to have free trade talks inside Canada? I mean, not only are we one country but a major reason our founders sought to bring about Confederation was for free trade and a brighter future between the colonies.
Making his case for free trade within Canada during the premiers meetings in July, Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the possibility more important to the economy than the new NAFTA deal.
“Internal trade can put 4% right to the bottom line of the GDP. It can increase the GDP anywhere from $50 billion to well over $100 billion,” Ford said.
Staggering numbers to be sure.
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See Also:
(1) We need a faster response to highway crashes
(2) #RingOfFire (#RoF) News – August 25, 2019
(3) A new Constitution for Ontario and new hope for Doug Ford
