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EDMONTON — Alberta has introduced legislation aimed at reducing interprovincial trade barriers and making it easier for businesses to operate across Canada.
If passed, Bill 21, the Interprovincial Trade Mutual Recognition Act, would create a legal framework for Alberta to implement the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement on the Sale of Goods, an accord signed by provinces and territories in November 2025 and set to take effect June 30.
The provincial government says the legislation is intended to cut red tape, lower costs for businesses and improve access to goods and services for consumers by allowing products approved in one jurisdiction to be more easily sold in another.
Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Minister Joseph Schow says removing internal trade barriers would help businesses expand and improve affordability for Albertans.
The bill would also allow Alberta to adopt future mutual recognition agreements covering both goods and services, with the goal of strengthening domestic supply chains and reducing reliance on international markets amid global trade uncertainty.
Business groups say the move could improve competitiveness and reduce costs.
Adam Legge says eliminating internal barriers has clear economic benefits, while Heather Thomson says the legislation represents a practical step toward supporting business growth across the country.
The government says the approach is designed to maintain health, safety, consumer and environmental standards while modernizing the regulatory system.
The legislation comes as provinces and territories work to advance broader trade initiatives, including plans to enable direct-to-consumer alcohol sales by the end of May and efforts to streamline labour mobility approvals with a 30-day service standard expected later this year.
Officials say more details will be shared with businesses and industry partners as implementation progresses.
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