Interprovincial trade top priority for new minister
What's first on the agenda for the new minister in charge of federal-provincial affairs? Getting rid of internal trade barriers.
A provincial free trade deal already exists — the Canadian Free Trade Agreement was introduced last year — but the process lacks concrete timelines or a firm list of priorities, made more complex by a series of new premiers taking the helm in their provinces.
Dominic LeBlanc told The House his attention will turn to trade within Canada as his first big project after being given his new portfolio.
"I think we can make tangible, real progress important to Canadians in that area very quickly," he said.
Canada's approach to internal trade has been criticized as being covered in red tape, especially at a time when trade with the U.S. has hit a wall.
In response to that call for change, the premiers announced provinces and territories would be taking "immediate and meaningful action" toward reducing barriers like transport regulations, business registration and agriculture licenses.
More barriers could be removed later this year, as the prime minister has invited the provincial and territorial leaders to a meeting to discuss trade, and the economy in general.
While the premiers and the federal government are working together to mitigate risks stemming from an unpredictable trading relationship with the U.S., there are other issues on the table proving more controversial.
The federal government's plan for a price on carbon and the handling of irregular migrants have struck a nerve with many provinces.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe stood side by side at the Council of the Federation meeting to announce Ontario will support the challenge of the federal government's right to impose a carbon tax on provinces that don't comply with its climate change plan.
Also this week, Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba collectively called on the government to reimburse them for costs associated with accommodating the thousands of asylum seekers crossing into Canada.
LeBlanc explained Ottawa has already agreed to make some funding available, but it's important to keep the dialogue open and continue to discuss the issue.
Even though there have been substantial policy disagreements between the federal and provincial governments, LeBlanc says constructive conversations are still ongoing.
"I don't share any of the pessimism," he said.
"We aren't going to stop looking for ways to cooperate with these partners."
The premiers may disagree, but he added it's obvious to him they're more focused on the commonalities.