Premier Doug Ford’s government introduced legislation this Wednesday aimed at breaking down trade barriers within Canada, positioning Ontario as the first province to fully eliminate its internal trade exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA).
The “Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act, 2025” was framed as a direct response to ongoing economic uncertainty caused by U.S. protectionism and tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
Ford, flanked by Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston and New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt, signed new memorandums of understanding committing to mutual recognition of goods, services and certified workers between their provinces.