The “One Canadian Economy” bill aims to remove interprovincial trade barriers and fast-track national projects to boost economic growth across Canada.
Ottawa Moves to Unify Canada’s Internal Market
Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday announced the tabling of the “One Canadian Economy” bill, a sweeping legislative effort to dismantle internal trade barriers and streamline approvals for major national infrastructure projects. The bill aims to unify Canada’s economy and enhance competitiveness amid global trade uncertainty.
Economic Impact of Trade Barriers Sparks Reform
Internal trade and labour mobility restrictions are estimated to cost the Canadian economy up to $200 billion annually, according to Carney. By eliminating federal-level barriers, the bill seeks to boost business efficiency, reduce consumer costs, and unlock interprovincial commerce. Goods and services will be able to move more freely between provinces under the proposed reforms.
Fast-Tracking Nation-Building Projects
The second pillar of the bill introduces a new mechanism for identifying and accelerating high-impact infrastructure projects. Current federal processes involve multiple sequential assessments, often delaying approvals for years. The bill proposes simultaneous reviews to cut red tape and bring projects online faster, which Carney argues is essential for Canada’s economic growth and global competitiveness.
Support from Business Leaders
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomed the bill, calling it “a good start” toward true internal free trade. “Businesses have long called for the removal of outdated trade exceptions that weaken the Canadian Free Trade Agreement,” said Matthew Holmes, Chief of Public Policy. While not a panacea, Holmes noted the move could cushion economic shocks from escalating tariffs under U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war.
Legislative Timing and Political Coordination
Carney pledged to enact the reforms by Canada Day, though parliamentary timelines suggest Royal Assent before the summer recess is unlikely. Still, the federal government is actively working with premiers across Canada, several of whom—including those in Ontario and Quebec—have introduced similar provincial bills to remove local trade barriers.
A Closer Look at Internal Barriers
Internal trade barriers include regulatory differences in product standards, transportation rules, and professional certifications. For example, a licensed tradesperson or massage therapist may need to fully re-certify to work in a different province. Likewise, uneven trucking regulations and alcohol distribution rules create friction in interprovincial commerce.
Strategic Timing Amid Global Trade Pressures
The federal move comes as Carney navigates ongoing trade tensions with the U.S., including behind-the-scenes talks with President Trump. With international trade policy increasingly unpredictable, the bill is positioned as a domestic counterbalance—ensuring Canadian goods, services, and labour can operate seamlessly across provinces.
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