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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

One Canadian economy? Not quite yet (The Hub)

Earlier this year, the shift in U.S. trade policy spurred Canadian governments to refocus on trade both abroad and at home. Various provinces began negotiating inter‑provincial agreements to liberalize internal trade. At the same time, the federal government has embraced the idea of moving toward a “one Canadian economy” rather than 13 separate ones.

Canada’s lagging productivity adds urgency: Internal trade liberalization may be one of the more promising avenues for strengthening the economy and boosting future growth. And there’s certainly room to grow. Internal trade has reached the lowest share of Canada’s overall economy in decades.

Against that backdrop, the new agreement signed last week by federal, provincial, and territorial governments—called the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement—may mark the most ambitious step in internal trade policy since the Canadian Free Trade Agreement of 2017.

British Columbia calls it the “largest red tape reduction in Canada’s history.” They may be right ...

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