New Conservative government will work with provinces to break down trade barriers
In his first 100 days as Prime Minister, Andrew Scheer will meet with Canada’s Premiers to establish a new interprovincial free trade agreement that will create jobs and opportunities for Canadians from coast to coast.
Scheer will host the meeting in Ottawa on January 6, 2020.
“Trade barriers between provinces mean Canadians are missing out on so much opportunity and prosperity,” Scheer said. “As Prime Minister, I will work with the provinces to get Canadian goods and services moving across the country to put more money in Canadians’ pockets.”
Eliminating interprovincial trade barriers would improve Canada’s competitiveness and productivity, potentially boosting Canada’s economy by as much as $90 billion, according to the International Monetary Fund.
In 2015, Justin Trudeau promised to usher in a new era of provincial and territorial relations. Instead, he is pitting the provinces against each other, forcing his carbon tax on provinces that have rejected it, and picking fights with provincial leaders whose help he would need to keep his election promises.
“Trudeau’s my-way-or-the-highway, Ottawa-knows-best approach is costing Canadians,” Scheer said. “Canadians are working harder than ever but just aren’t getting ahead, losing out on billions in trade and opportunity. Only a new Conservative government will work with the provinces and territories to create the kind of economic prosperity and opportunity that will put more money in your pockets so you can get ahead.”
FACTS:
- At this meeting, a new Conservative government will create a process to determine whether differences in laws and regulations unnecessarily prevent trade or whether they are reasonable exercises of provincial jurisdiction.
- While Canada has signed on to free-trade agreements with countries around the world, there are significant barriers to the free flow of goods and services within our own borders.
- Alberta Premier that he would immediately remove 13 of 27 Jason Kenney recently announced exemptions under the existing Canada Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), and launch a review of the remaining 14.
- Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister also announced that effective immediately, the Manitoba government is removing a number of its exemptions under the CFTA to further reduce interprovincial trade barriers.
- To increase opportunities for Canadians to work anywhere in Canada, a new Conservative government will expand the Red Seal Program to recognize common credentials. We will work with the provinces and territories to harmonize apprenticeship training and trade certification in their jurisdictions.
ANDREW SCHEER’S PLAN FOR YOU TO GET AHEAD:
- Scrap the Trudeau Carbon Tax, lowering the cost of everyday essentials like gas, groceries, and home heating.
- Introduce the Universal Tax Cut, saving an average couple $850.
- Take the GST off home heating costs, saving your family $107 every year.
- Introduce the Green Public Transit Tax Credit, saving a family of four who take transit up to $1,000.
- Make maternity benefits tax-free, putting up to $4,000 back in the pockets of new parents.
- Introduce the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit, allowing parents to claim up to $1,000 for sports activities.
- Introduce the Children’s Arts and Learning Tax Credit, letting parents claim up to $500 for arts and learning programs.
- Expand the Age Credit, benefiting the lowest income Canadians the most and giving a senior couple up to $300.
- Boost government-matching to RESPs by 50 per cent, helping parents get more for their kids’ education.
- Introduce the Green Home Renovation Tax Credit, putting up to $3,800 back in the pockets of Canadians for green home improvements.
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