Government of Yukon strengthens trade and labour mobility across Canada through new intergovernmental agreements

Press Release

July 23, 2025

To improve economic collaboration and promote trade across Canada, Premier Mike Pemberton, representing the Government of Yukon, has signed three critical memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with provincial and territorial leaders. These agreements mark a significant step forward in advancing trade and enhancing labour mobility, fostering a more unified and competitive Canadian marketplace.

While attending the Council of the Federation meeting in Huntsville, Ontario on July 21–23, Premier Mike Pemberton signed MOUs with the following:

• Premier of Ontario Doug Ford, Premier of the Northwest Territories R.J. Simpson and Premier of Nunavut P.J. Akeeagok. Read the MOU between the Yukon, Ontario, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut here.
• Premier of British Columbia David Eby. Read the MOU between the Yukon and British Columbia here.
• Premier of Alberta Danielle Smith. Read the MOU between the Yukon and Alberta here.

These MOUs are a commitment for jurisdictions to work together to identify barriers to trade and labour mobility, identify opportunities for regulatory alignment and recognition and simplify interjurisdictional requirements for professionals and businesses. They align with the ongoing Team Canada efforts to come together in renewed ways to strengthen the territorial, provincial and federal economies.

Each agreement was negotiated between parties to reflect the needs and the unique relationships between each jurisdiction. The Government of Yukon is pleased to advance these partnerships, paving the way for enhanced economic growth and opportunity across Canada.

The Yukon remains fully committed to the Team Canada approach. It’s essential that we come together as a country to overcome barriers to trade and labour mobility across Canada. These agreements offer an important framework for our jurisdictions to work together, driving shared prosperity and a stronger future for Canadians. I look forward to advancing this important work and deepening our partnerships across the country.

Premier Mike Pemberton

Yukon has long been a good neighbour to us in British Columbia – we’re already deeply connected, making reaching this agreement easy. The Northwest of our province is growing fast, but we’ll enjoy even more opportunity by teaming up with Yukon. This deal strengthens our ties and brings benefits to families and communities in both provinces.

Premier of British Columbia David Eby

Canada’s premiers are making it our collective goal to knock down the barriers that have been holding back our workers and our economies for far too long This agreement is the latest in a new era of cooperation that will see Canada’s provinces and territories unleash the full potential of our provincial, territorial and national economies. Alberta looks forward to working with the Yukon through this agreement to build a more adaptable and competitive labour market and economy so that Albertans and Yukoners can share in prosperity together.

Premier of Alberta Danielle Smith

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. 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.

Premier of Ontario Doug Ford

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. 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.

Premier of the Northwest Territories R.J. Simpson

For Nunavut, these agreements represent more than just economic collaboration – they are about creating opportunities for Nunavummiut to fully participate in the Canadian economy. By strengthening labour mobility and reducing trade barriers, we are helping to build a more connected North and ensuring that our communities benefit from the growth and innovation happening across the country. I look forward to working with our partners to advance this shared vision.

Premier of Nunavut P.J. Akeeagok

Our government is focused on making it easier for Yukon businesses to trade across Canada. We have worked closely with other provinces and territories for years to break down barriers. These agreements will help us continue that work, creating opportunities that benefit Yukoners and all Canadians. These agreements are another step we’re taking to build a stronger, more resilient economy for the Yukon and the whole country.

Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai

Quick facts

• The Internal Trade Cooperation MOUs are non-binding agreements between provinces and territories, affirming each jurisdiction’s commitment to work together to identify opportunities to cooperate on facilitating internal trade.
• On June 24, 2025, the Government of Yukon announced the removal of five party-specific exceptions from the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.
• On July 8, 2025, Committee on Internal Trade Ministers met in Quebec City to continue work on improving trade across the country. Minister Pillai attended to advocate for the needs and perspectives of Yukoners. Read the statement from Minister Pillai.

Backgrounder

• The Government of Yukon is signing MOUs with provinces and territories to formalize bilateral and plurilateral cooperation on: strengthening internal trade and labour mobility; complementing Team Canada efforts to strengthen the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA); and implementing recommendations of the Committee on Internal Trade.
• The Yukon’s MOU with Ontario, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut will support cooperation between our jurisdictions to advance mutual recognition, regulatory alignment, regulated occupations and registration and reduce exceptions under the CFTA. It is the first MOU on internal trade signed by all three territories with a province.
• The Yukon’s MOU with Alberta will support work towards mutual recognition of goods and services, alignment of regulated occupations and registration requirements and support information sharing. The Yukon and Alberta already cooperate closely, such as on common training for apprentices and trades through their MOU on apprenticeship technical training.
• The Yukon’s MOU with British Columbia will support work towards regulatory alignment and mutual recognition, alignment of regulated occupations and registration requirements, including digital worker certification and to exchange information. The Yukon and British Columbia often cooperate on trade and economic development and recently signed an MOU to support collaboration on a potential Yukon-BC Grid Connect Project.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Linnea Blum
Communications, Economic Development
867-332-2625
linnea.blum@yukon.ca

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