Ontario and Manitoba Establish Memorandum of Understanding

Ontario and Manitoba Establish Memorandum of Understanding to Eliminate Interprovincial Trade Barriers

Quick Facts
- The MOU signed by Ontarian and Manitoban Premiers aims to remove barriers to trade between the two provinces.
- This agreement includes supporting the flow of goods, services, investment, and workers, with a focus on direct-to-consumer alcohol sales and improved labor mobility.
- In 2021, the total interprovincial trade value between the two provinces was $19.5 billion.
- The Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act was introduced to promote free trade and protect against external economic challenges.
- The MOU is part of broader efforts to boost Canada's internal trade and economy.

Quotes
- "Ontario is also launching the new $50 million Ontario Together Trade Fund to assist local businesses in taking advantage of new interprovincial trade opportunities."
- "Today's MOU signing marks another important partnership on the path to enhanced resilience." -Vic Fedeli, Ontarian Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation.

Additional Resources
- The full text of the memorandum of understanding.
- Background information on the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act.
- Statistics on interprovincial trade between Ontario and Manitoba.
- Details on the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) and its initiatives.

Media Contacts
- For the Office of the Premier of Ontario: [Contact Information]
- For the Office of the Premier of Manitoba: [Contact Information]
- For the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade in Ontario: [Contact Information]

This press release highlights the efforts of the governments of Ontario and Manitoba to enhance economic ties and promote free trade within Canada. The signing of the MOU is a step towards a more unified Canadian economy, which is especially relevant in the context of international trade challenges such as U.S. tariffs. The MOU focuses on increasing trade in goods and services, including direct-to-consumer alcohol sales and facilitating the movement of skilled workers between the provinces. Additionally, the Ontario government has established a $50 million fund to help local businesses capitalize on these new trade opportunities. The release also mentions the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, which is intended to bolster the province's ability to respond to trade challenges and protect its economy.