The Ford government is set to table its first piece of new legislation on Wednesday, which it promises will begin the process of removing interprovincial trade barriers across the country.
During its speech from the throne, the government said it would make removing trade barriers between provinces its “first order of business” following a snap winter election.
Premier Doug Ford announced the legislation on Wednesday, backed by New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston. The pair are signing free trade agreements with Ontario to “bolster” the movement of goods and services between the three provinces.
Ontario’s legislation will implement tweaks and changes to how trade and regulations work between different provinces.
The areas impacted range from labour laws and safety rules to alcohol sales.
As part of the changes, the government is pushing to allow health-care professionals trained in other places to begin working immediately, while they wait for their qualifications to be recognized by provincial colleges.
The same principle would be applied to other industries, like electricians, who could work for up to six months while they complete an application to officially move.
Broader technical standards are also set to be harmonized.
Ontario said it is working to recognize other provinces’ standards for things like high-visibility vests or truck signage so workers don’t need to change when crossing provincial borders.
The government, which has long put alcohol reform at the heart of its policies, said it also plans to make it easier for producers in other provinces to sell directly to Ontario customers.
Officials said details of how that would work, and if it would hurt Ontario alcohol makers, were still being worked out.
Separately, the province is planning to create a Buy Ontario Day on the last Friday of every June to remind people to support local businesses.
Premier Ford said major changes were coming when he rose to speak at Queen’s Park during question period on Wednesday,
“We are creating history today, making sure we get rid of all the exceptions right across the country, ” Ford said. “This is going to add another $200 billion, eight per cent to the GDP.”
Ford is holding a news conference with Fedeli to preview the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act, 2025, which is expected to be tabled around 1 p.m.