Hub Podcasts The big risk in the Liberals' Canada Day deadline to fix interprovincial trade
Jun 9, 2025
Ryan Manucha, a scholar of interprovincial trade law, dives into the risks posed by the Liberals' Canada Day deadline for reforming trade barriers. He outlines the potential decline in momentum post-deadline and stresses the need for ongoing engagement. Manucha tackles historical complexities in Canada’s trade laws and highlights how federal inaction can stifle economic growth, especially in emerging industries like cannabis. He also critiques political branding, shedding light on the stark differences between party names and their actual policies.
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Inherent Trade Barriers
- Trade barriers will persist as transaction costs inherent to Canada’s federal structure.
- Economic union renewals like in 2017 and 2025 resemble confederation updates, spurring growth benefits.
Federal Role in Trade Barriers
- Many interprovincial trade barriers stem from provincial rules and federal inaction, not just federal measures.
- Ottawa’s coordination role via spending power is vital to fix these patchwork issues.
Canada Day Deadline Risks
- The Canada Day deadline pushes progress but risks signaling reform's end too soon.
- Sustained federal attention is crucial beyond symbolic wins for real trade barrier removal.