Council of the Federation Workplan on Internal Trade
Provincial and Territorial Ministers responsible for Internal Trade completed
a major initiative today when they agreed on how to include procurement by
Provincial/Territorial Crown Corporations under the Procurement Chapter of
the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT)1 . This will be
achieved by January 1, 2005. This was a key component of the Workplan on Internal
Trade approved by the Council of the Federation at its meeting in Vancouver
on February 24, 2004.
Ministers are committed to full implementation of the Agreement on Internal
Trade. Ministers also placed a focus on the future of the Agreement and how
it can be revitalized.
During their meeting, Ministers discussed ways to address concerns about the
decision-making process to facilitate progress on internal trade issues. Ministers
acknowledged that the Agreement on Internal Trade is an essential element
in the fabric of our economic union and will continue to work on the further
reduction of trade barriers in Canada.
Ministers agreed that their first priority is to continue the implementation
of the Council of the Federation’s Workplan on Internal Trade. They
examined areas that are not currently covered by the provisions of the Agreement
on Internal Trade and directed officials to prepare options to address these
areas.
Ministers also agreed on the need for a more concerted effort by all governments
across the country to communicate to Canadians on internal trade issues and
ensure Canadians are informed of the significance of the AIT in reducing internal
trade barriers and the continued progress being made under the direction of
the Council of the Federation to improve internal trade.
The Premiers of New Brunswick and Manitoba will report to the Council of the
Federation at its next meeting on July 28-30, 2004 on the outcomes of the
Ministers’ discussions and recommendations.
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1 Nunavut is not a signatory
to the Agreement on Internal Trade but maintains observer status on the Committee
of Ministers on Internal Trade (CIT)
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