The Government of Canada has officially launched a nationwide consultation process with industry leaders, businesses, and labour representatives to shape the regulations for the newly introduced Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act. This consultation is a key step in ensuring that the regulations align with the needs and priorities of Canadian industries across the country.
The Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act aims to dismantle barriers to interprovincial trade and labour mobility by recognizing the regulatory standards already in place at the provincial and territorial levels. This change will reduce federal obstacles for Canadian businesses and workers, making it easier to move goods, offer services, and pursue employment opportunities across provincial borders.
“We are listening to and answering the calls from business and industry to remove barriers to trade between Canada’s provinces and territories. We are working with them every step of the way to remove the federal red tape and give Canadians lower prices and more choice. Together, we will build the strongest economy in the G7,” stated the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade.
The implementation of this Act involves the development of detailed regulations that will define what constitutes a comparable federal regulatory requirement and address potential exceptions to ensure that health, safety, security, and environmental standards remain protected.
Throughout August 2025, the Government of Canada will host a series of consultations, both regionally and nationally, to engage with stakeholders across various sectors. These sessions are designed to gather valuable input that will directly influence the creation of these regulations.
Stakeholders will have two main avenues for contributing their perspectives:
- Regional Engagements: The government will hold a variety of roundtable meetings in both in-person and virtual formats, working alongside the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. These sessions will bring together hundreds of representatives from key sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, labour, and transportation.
- Written Submissions: Individuals and organizations are also invited to submit their feedback in writing by August 22, 2025, providing an additional platform for input.
This consultation process is critical for ensuring that the final regulations of the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act address the diverse needs of the Canadian economy and workforce. The Government of Canada is committed to publishing the final regulations by fall 2025, moving forward with the operationalization of the Act.
