Three western premiers want overhaul of internal trade deal with all provinces

REGINA – The leaders of three western provinces want to overhaul an agreement on internal trade.

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall, Alberta Premier Dave Hancock and B.C. Premier Christy Clark have sent a letter to other premiers saying it’s time for a more modern approach.

They say the current agreement on internal trade allows anti-free trade behaviour which puts the country on a slippery slope to protectionism.

The three premiers argue it’s time to remove trade barriers, reduce the costs of doing business across Canada and help provincial economies grow.

They also say a new agreement should include strong enforcement mechanisms with the teeth to make sure that everyone plays by the rules.

Wall, Hancock and Clark say they want to see a commitment when all the premiers meet in Charlottetown in August.