Urge from Moe for Premiers to Participate in the New West Partnership Trade Agreement
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is set to make an announcement on Thursday, aiming to strengthen internal trade across Canadian provinces by urging his counterparts to join the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA).
The NWPTA, initially signed in 2010 by British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, is a comprehensive trade agreement designed to remove barriers to trade, investment, and labor mobility. The agreement allows businesses to operate under a single registration and encourages mutual recognition of standards and regulations.
Premier Moe believes that expanding the NWPTA is the simplest way to achieve nationwide economic integration. He has extended invitations to all Canadian premiers, with the aim of creating a unified Canadian economy amidst geopolitical tensions. This move is supported by Prime Minister Mark Carney's goal to eliminate internal trade barriers, with the aim for Canada to become one of the strongest economies in the G7.
If provinces east of Manitoba join, the agreement's name would likely change to reflect its broader scope. The anticipated focus of the announcement is on promoting economic cooperation across provinces and expanding free and fair trade across Canada.
The premier's remarks are expected to begin at 11:00 a.m. local time, and the event can be watched live at the top of the story. For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned.
[1] "New West Partnership Trade Agreement." Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/business/trade-commerce/trade-agreements/agreement-countries/new-west-partnership-trade-agreement.html
[2] "Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe Invites Canadian Premiers to Join New West Partnership Trade Agreement." CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/saskatchewan-premier-scott-moe-invites-canadian-premiers-to-join-new-west-partnership-trade-agreement-1.5894430
[3] "Mark Carney Calls for Removal of Internal Trade Barriers." The Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-mark-carney-calls-for-removal-of-internal-trade-barriers/
[4] "New West Partnership Trade Agreement." Government of Saskatchewan. https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/trade-and-investment/trade-agreements/new-west-partnership-trade-agreement
"The announcement by Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe aims to expand the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA), focusing on economic cooperation and free trade across provinces. This move aligns with Prime Minister Mark Carney's goal to eliminate internal trade barriers and position Canada as a strong economy in the G7."
"Political tensions notwithstanding, the anticipated addition of provinces east of Manitoba to the NWPTA could lead to policy-and-legislation changes and rebranding of the agreement to reflect its broader scope, as well as provide general-news implications for Canada's domestic and international standing."
