Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Rob Ford have inked a new agreement that will see trade opened up between the two provinces.
The pair signed the memorandum of understanding during a meeting of Canada’s First Ministers in Saskatoon on June 1st.
The hope is that Alberta and Ontario will partner to improve the free flow of goods and services between the two provinces. Officials say the partnership will also simplify requirements for individuals in regulated professions such as skilled trades, with the hope that it will be faster and easier for professionals to work across provincial borders.
Additionally, the agreement will allow direct-to-consumer sales of Ontario-made and Alberta-made alcohol between the provinces.
“This agreement is about getting results, making it easier for people to work, do business, and grow across provincial lines,” Premier Smith says.
“[Through] agreements like this and working together, we’re helping Canada unlock up to $200 billion in economic potential and standing shoulder to shoulder to protect the future of Canadian workers across the country, not just in Ontario,” Premier Ford adds.
The Government of Alberta has also indicated they “welcome” the possibility of working with the Province of Ontario and partners to explore the potential of welcoming Ontario into the New West Partnership Trade Agreement, which works to improve the movement of goods, services, investments, and workers between Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
