NDP Block Interprovincial Free Trade Bill
WINNIPEG — Midland MLA Lauren Stone, PC Critic for Finance, is calling out Manitoba’s NDP government for blocking Bill 227 from moving forward today, a decision that fails workers and businesses, and is further proof that the government has no serious plan for the provincial economy.
“With the current state of global trade and ongoing economic uncertainty, it’s shocking that the Kinew government won’t act quickly to remove trade barriers between provinces,” said Stone.
Bill 227, introduced by Stone earlier this week, would remove trade and labour mobility barriers between Manitoba and any other province that agrees to do the same. Stone said that it is a logical way to boost trade, create jobs, and grow the economy both in Manitoba and across the country.
“The NDP have had six months to show that they’re serious about fighting the U.S. and Chinese tariffs that are putting our workers and industries at risk. But they’ve done nothing,” said Stone. “Today was a real opportunity to show leadership, to make Manitoba more competitive, and to show that we’re open for business. Instead, the NDP chose to stall.”
The federal government estimates that cutting trade barriers between provinces could grow Canada’s economy by up to $200 billion and lower prices by as much as 15%.
“The NDP have no plan to deal with tariffs, no relief for rising costs, and no support for Manitobans who are worried about their jobs and their future,” said Stone.
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