Province introduces free trade legislation

With a commitment to domestic free trade, the Ontario government introduced the Protecting Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act on April 16.

This bill is aimed at eliminating trade barriers and streamlining credential recognition across provincial borders.

According to Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, this is a bold step toward a more unified Canadian economy.

“With this legislation, Ontario is leading by example, tearing down outdated trade barriers, and expanding labour mobility for businesses and workers alike,” said Tisch.

With these changes, members of the Huron Chamber of Commerce can expect a renewed focus on growth, workforce readiness, and economic resilience.

According to the Huron Chamber, the newly introduced legislation proposes key measures including full reciprocity with goods and services across provinces and territories, automatic recognition of credentials without needing to re-certify to reduce red tape, and leadership on interprovincial reform. Ontario will become the first province to remove all party-specific exceptions under the Canada Free Trade Agreement.

The Ontario government explained that internal trade barriers are no different than President Trump’s tariffs. They only increase costs, slow growth and hurt everyday, hard-working people while dividing the nation.

So, how does this impact employers in Huron County? It could significantly ease hiring processes and open broader markets for goods and services.

Several priorities within the framework of these changes that are highly relevant to Huron County’s business community include workforce development and skilled trades training, a $200 billion infrastructure plan, housing supply and development charges, energy security and clean tech investment, and regulatory reform and faster approvals.

According to the Ontario government, investments will be expanded for training and skills development so more people can benefit.

In rural regions like Huron County, with sectors like construction, agriculture, healthcare and manufacturing depending on a steady supply of skilled workers, this investment could bridge labour market gaps.

Ontario will invest over $200 billion in its plant to rebuild, including new and upgraded roads and highways, while promoting made-in-Ontario and made-in-Canada products.

While much of this investment is focused more on high-urban areas, rural regions will benefit from improved transportation corridors and a greater demand on materials such as cement, steel and lumber, which are all produced and used in Huron County.

To address the affordability crisis for housing, the government aims to bring more consistency and transparency to local development costs.

Communities across Huron County seek to attract and retain workers, and housing availability and affordability remain key issues.

Huron Chamber is hopeful these reforms will support municipal efforts to grow housing stock without placing additional financial burdens on homebuyers or developers.

The free trade legislation and the economic strategy made by the Ontario government could mark a turning point in the province’s growth, especially in regions like Huron County, which relies on cross-border supply chains.

According to the Huron Chamber, it will continue to monitor the implementation of this legislation and advocate for local businesses as reforms roll out.

For more information visit https://huronchamber.ca/