WINNIPEG – Manitoba has officially joined the New West Partnership — a trade agreement set up by the other western provinces in 2010.
The agreement is aimed at allowing business, labour and investment to flow more freely within the region and at reducing barriers to inter-provincial sales.
READ MORE: Tories promise to bring Manitoba into western trade agreement
Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister campaigned on a promise to join the trade deal before his Progressive Conservatives were elected in April.
Prior to joining, Manitoba had complained when Saskatchewan announced it would limit some Crown corporation contracts to businesses within the trade zone.
The Alberta government changed its liquor pricing last year to make craft beer from the partnership provinces less expensive than beer from elsewhere.
READ MORE: Great Western, Steam Whistle earn court injunction in Alberta beer battle
The former NDP government in Manitoba had balked at joining the regional deal because the New Democrats were focusing on a national trade deal among all provinces.
Former premier Greg Selinger said he also had concerns that the trade deal’s rules for settling disputes would lead to expensive lawsuits instead of mediation.
READ MORE: New West Partnership commits to easier trade between provinces
Pallister said Thursday joining the partnership will be good for Manitoba.
“Business owners, community leaders and chambers of commerce from across Manitoba have long called for our province to pursue new opportunities for growth and reduced trade barriers,” he said in a news release.
“Joining the New West Partnership will bring these advantages.”
The trade deal is aimed at creating an open market of more than 11 million people, with a combined annual economy of more than $750 billion.
The other premiers welcomed Manitoba into the fold.
“We’ve had great success over the past six years in removing barriers and opening up trade within our region,” Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said. “Together, we can continue to reduce hurdles affecting long-term business opportunities and make western Canada even stronger.”
“Alberta is proud to work with our western neighbours to grow, strengthen and diversify the economy,” Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said. “We share a common commitment to creating jobs, enhancing opportunities for enterprise and investment, and increasing prosperity throughout and beyond western Canada.”
“Western provinces are leaders in reducing barriers to trade, and bringing Manitoba into the New West Partnership Trade Agreement can only strengthen our open market,” British Columbia Premier Christy Clark said. “By joining forces, we can continue to expand our economies and benefit all Canadians.”
With files from Global News
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