Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed new trade agreements Monday with British Columbia and Canada’s three northern territories to reduce internal trade barriers and strengthen labour mobility across the country.
The two new Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs)—one with British Columbia and another with Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut—bring Ontario’s total to 10 agreements with provinces and territories, positioning the province as a national leader in advancing interprovincial commerce.
“With President Trump’s ongoing threats to our economy, there’s never been a more important time to boost internal trade to build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy,” said Premier Ford. “By signing these MOUs and working together, we’re helping Canada unlock up to $200 billion in economic potential and standing shoulder to shoulder to protect Canadian workers across the country.”
The agreements aim to eliminate red tape, cut business costs, and expand labour mobility across jurisdictions. They complement recent legislation in Ontario, the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, which gives the province more leverage to enhance internal trade and withstand external pressures.
British Columbia Premier David Eby emphasized the significance of the partnership.
“When Ontario and BC team up to knock down trade barriers, it’s good for workers, it’s good for businesses and it’s good for the people of both provinces,” said Eby. “Between our provinces, we have more than half of the population of the country. This agreement is key to unlocking one Canadian economy.”
The northern premiers also welcomed the agreement, highlighting the importance of integration with the rest of Canada.
“This agreement between Ontario and the territories is about making it easier for people, goods and ideas to move across the country,” said Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton. “It’s an important step in reducing barriers and expanding opportunities for workers, businesses and communities in the North.”
“For the North to reach its full economic potential, we need to reduce the barriers that make it harder for our people and businesses to connect with the rest of the country,” said Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson. “This agreement is a step toward that.”
“This MOU is a strategic opportunity for Nunavut to enhance labour mobility, reduce trade barriers and strengthen our economic ties with other jurisdictions,” added Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok.
Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Vic Fedeli, also welcomed the move.
“At a time of global uncertainty, Ontario is proud to be leading a new era of economic cooperation within Canada,” said Fedeli. “By signing agreements with seven provinces and all three territories, our government is taking unprecedented actions towards tearing down trade barriers, opening new pathways for workers and businesses and helping unlock up to $200 billion in economic potential each year.”
Premier Ford is hosting Canada’s premiers in Huntsville this week for the Council of the Federation’s 2025 Summer Meeting, running July 21–23.
