Statement from Minister Pillai on work to reduce trade barriers in Canada

Press Release

July 8, 2025

Minister of Economic Development Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“Today, I joined my colleagues from across the country in Québec City as part of the Committee on Internal Trade. Together, we are advancing our collective efforts to strengthen internal trade in Canada.

“Facilitating and promoting free internal trade is more important than ever. With global economic uncertainty and external threats to trade, we must strengthen our domestic economy and unlock further opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses. In a time of tension and instability, federal, provincial and territorial governments are coming together in unprecedented ways to advance internal trade in Canada.

“On June 24, we announced the removal of five of the Yukon’s party-specific exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA). This is the beginning of the work and we’ll continue to be ambitious as we review our exceptions as the Yukon’s economic needs change over time. As announced by the Committee on Internal Trade today, 30 per cent of all party-specific exceptions under the CFTA have been removed, which is a major milestone and the largest reduction since the agreement came into force in 2017.

“While we support efforts by Team Canada, we recognize that some exceptions are needed to help the Yukon meet its economic development objectives, fulfil obligations with First Nations governments and provide public benefits.

“While we work with partners to protect Canada’s economy, our government remains committed to advocating for the Yukon and Yukoners, communities and local industries and businesses as we participate in efforts to reduce exceptions.

“We are also looking carefully at how we can align our regulations on labour and goods with provinces and territories to help ensure Yukon businesses have stronger access to markets, investors and opportunities across Canada so they can thrive.

“The Yukon is one of the jurisdictions that has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on direct-to-consumer alcohol sales to explore options for reducing barriers to internal trade in alcohol. Signing gives us a seat at the table to continue internal trade discussions with Canadian counterparts. We will continue to have the interests of Yukoners in mind as we proceed in national efforts to reduce trade barriers.

“We are also participating in federal-provincial-territorial efforts, led by British Columbia, to expand mutual recognition to all consumer goods, aside from food. As an alternative to harmonization, mutual recognition strengthens trade by guaranteeing that goods that can be lawfully used or sold in one province or territory can be sold in another. This initiative will help boost productivity, strengthen supply chains and lower costs for all Canadians, including Yukoners.

“Together with our partners, the Government of Yukon is working to strengthen labour mobility within Canada, including by working towards a national service standard, streamlined application requirements and exploring tools to support faster recognition of credentials, while ensuring public safety remains a top priority.

“All of this work is ongoing and we want to keep Yukoners up to date on the initiatives being advanced as we continue to advocate for their interests. Further information will be announced as progress is made.”

Media contact

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

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