New Brunswick Signs MOU with Ontario to Reduce Trade and Labour Mobility Barriers

April 18, 2025

The governments of New Brunswick and Ontario have signed a memorandum of understanding on free trade and labour mobility.

“Ontario is New Brunswick’s second-biggest trading partner, and we are excited to be building on the positive momentum to reduce internal trade barriers across Canada,” said Premier Susan Holt. “Today’s signing of this bilateral memorandum of understanding commits both jurisdictions to enhance direct-to-consumer alcohol sales and improve interprovincial labour mobility. It will also encourage the free flow of goods, services and investment, all while maintaining and strengthening public safety.

“We encourage other Canadian jurisdictions that have not already done so to join us in driving progress on internal trade by tabling their own legislation to reciprocally remove barriers to trade across Canada, including through mutual recognition.”

The government introduced legislative amendments last month, aimed at improving labour mobility and reducing interprovincial barriers.

Amendments to the Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act, if passed, would allow workers in regulated professions to begin working immediately in their new jurisdiction during the registration process. Amendments to the Liquor Control Act would enable New Brunswickers to participate in the direct-to-consumer sales of alcohol and would eliminate personal exemption limits for alcohol.

“Breaking down interprovincial trade barriers is one of the four pillars in New Brunswick’s response plan to U.S. tariffs,” said Holt. “New Brunswick is ready to take a leadership role in reducing interprovincial trade barriers across the country. We want to create as much opportunity as possible for our businesses to thrive in new markets, both within New Brunswick and across Canada.”

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