Canada’s economy is splintered by a tyranny of small provincial differences
The president of the Toronto Region Board of Trade argues that Canada's economic growth is hindered by excessive internal protectionism and fragmented provincial regulations. He calls for a unified approach to interprovincial trade to eliminate the 'tyranny of small differences' that complicates business operations.
Why it matters
Internal trade barriers significantly increase costs for Canadian businesses and limit the country's overall economic competitiveness on the global stage.
An employee moves products in an LCBO store at Toronto's Union Station. Eleven provinces and territories missed a May deadline to allow direct alcohol purchases from out-of-province producers. Laura Proctor/The Canadian Press
Giles Gherson is president and chief executive of Toronto Region Board of Trade.
To grow Canada’s economy, successive federal governments have doubled down on free trade with as many countries as possible – now 51 and more to come. But at home, it’s an entirely different story: persistent protectionism.
It’s costing us, big time. And we can no longer afford it.
As it was last year, fixing interprovincial trade should again be top of the agenda at the Council of the Federation, when the premiers of the 13 provinces and territories meet in Charlottetown this week. This time let’s get it right.
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