Ontario Signs New Free Trade Agreements with British Columbia and Canada’s Three Territories

On Monday, July 21, 2025, Ontario Premier Doug Ford was joined by British Columbia Premier David Eby, Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton, Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok to sign two new Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to boost internal trade, improve labour mobility and tear down long-standing barriers to doing business between provinces and territories. This included an Ontario-British Columbia MOU and an MOU between Ontario and the three territories.

“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.”

Through these agreements, premiers are working together to eliminate red tape, cut costs for businesses and open new pathways for skilled workers to move more freely across the country. With the MOUs signed today, Ontario has now secured agreements with 10 provinces and territories, making Ontario the national leader in strengthening interprovincial trade and cooperation.

To support this work, the Ontario government recently passed the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, which strengthens Ontario’s ability to pursue cross-Canada commerce, withstand U.S. tariffs and tackle future economic challenges head-on. Ontario also remains the only province or territory to eliminate all party-specific exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.

“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 Premier David Eby, British Columbia. “Between our provinces, we have more than half of the population of the country. This agreement is key to unlocking one Canadian economy.”

“This agreement between Ontario and the territories is about making it easier for people, goods and ideas to move across the country,” said Premier Mike Pemberton, Yukon. “It’s an important step in reducing barriers and expanding opportunities for workers, businesses and communities in the North — building on progress we’ve already made. By working together, we’re helping ensure that the territories, including the Yukon, can fully participate in and contribute to Canada’s economy.”

“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 — and for them to connect with us,” said Premier R.J. Simpson, Northwest Territories. “This agreement is a step toward that: supporting labour mobility, streamlining certification and opening up new opportunities for Northerners. It reflects a shared commitment to building a more open, connected and resilient Canadian economy.”

“This MOU is a strategic opportunity for Nunavut to enhance labour mobility, reduce trade barriers and strengthen our economic ties with other jurisdictions,” said Premier P.J. Akeeagok, Nunavut. “It positions Nunavut to be a more connected and competitive player in Canada’s economy.”

Premier Doug Ford will host Canada’s Premiers and their delegations for the Council of the Federation’s 2025 Summer Meeting from July 21–23.

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