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One Canadian Market Moves Closer as Governments Act on Internal Trade
One Canadian Market Moves Closer as Governments Act on Internal Trade
ACC welcomes concrete progress and calls for continued action to turn commitments into results businesses can feel.
Windsor, NS (August 31, 2026) — Canada’s provincial and territorial chambers of commerce welcome progress made last week in Iqaluit, where ministers responsible for internal trade agreed to accelerate mutual-recognition legislation, establish a 30-day service standard for labour-mobility applications, and set timelines to further reduce barriers to doing business across Canada.
The announcements closely align with Chambers of the Federation: An Agenda for a More Competitive Canada, presented to premiers in Charlottetown in July. The business community called on governments to move from commitment to implementation on internal trade, labour mobility and regulatory alignment — with clear timelines and accountability.
“Five weeks ago, we asked premiers to accelerate their work on internal trade. This week, governments delivered meaningful progress. A 30-day labour mobility standard, a fall deadline for mutual-recognition legislation and a December target for services are the kind of specific, dated commitments businesses have been waiting for.” - Rhonda Tulk-Lane, President & CEO, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce.
What Governments Got Right- A path toward one Canadian market: Agreement in principle on model mutual-recognition legislation targeted for fall 2026.
- Faster labour mobility: A 30-day service standard to help qualified workers move more easily across provincial and territorial borders.
- Deadlines for further action: Mutual recognition for services targeted for December 2026, alongside continued work to reduce barriers in food and alcohol.
ACC is calling for continued action on the remaining priorities in its national business agenda, including time-bound regulatory reform, trade and energy corridors, faster approvals for nation-building projects, domestic procurement and stronger Canadian supply chains.
With continued uncertainty in Canada–U.S. trade, strengthening Canada’s economy at home is critical. Removing barriers between provinces and territories will help businesses find workers, reach new customers, strengthen supply chains and invest with greater confidence.
The goal is simple: turn commitments into one Canadian market that businesses and workers can use.
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About the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC)
Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is the largest accredited business organization in Atlantic Canada, representing more than 16,000 businesses and their 300,000 employees through a network of 94 Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade across the four Atlantic provinces.
For over 125 years, ACC has served as a trusted voice for business in the region, working in partnership with its members and stakeholders to advance a strong, competitive, and growing Atlantic economy.
ACC connects with businesses in communities across Atlantic Canada, from main streets to regional economic centres.
The leading voice of business in Atlantic Canada.
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Truth and Reconciliation
Recognizing the importance of education, the Chamber encourages businesses to provide comprehensive training for management and staff on the history of Indigenous peoples, including the legacy of residential schools, Indigenous rights, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. Emphasizing intercultural competency, conflict resolution, and anti-racism, these efforts aim to foster a more inclusive and harmonious corporate environment rooted in mutual understanding and respect. Learn more click here.
