he Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is pushing for stronger action to remove internal trade barriers and allow easier movement of goods across provinces.
As the Committee on Internal Trade (CIT) meets today, CFIB sent a letter urging committee members to finalize a mutual recognition agreement by the end of 2025, as directed by the June 2025 First Ministers meeting in Saskatoon. Seven provinces have already adopted legislation on mutual recognition, but CFIB says clear alignment is needed to avoid a confusing mix of rules.
“As we noted in our annual Internal Trade Report Card last week, there has been more progress on removing trade barriers within Canada in the past six months than in eight years since the Canadian Free Trade Agreement was signed,” said SeoRhin Yoo, senior policy analyst for interprovincial affairs. “But with multiple jurisdictions taking multiple approaches on the file, there is potential for a confusing patchwork of rules and regulations. The CIT is a critical piece to stop that from happening and provide the clarity small businesses need to move forward and plan with confidence.”
Alongside the call for mutual recognition, CFIB is also seeking action on interprovincial alcohol delivery. Although discussed at the March First Ministers meeting in Ottawa, only Manitoba currently allows full direct-to-consumer shipping of Canadian wine, craft beer, and spirits across provincial borders.
The Canadian Craft Brewers Association (CCBA)previously voiced strong support for federal and provincial initiatives aimed at expanding direct-to-consumer sales. The association says the move will not only offer Canadians greater choice but also bolster the country’s 1,200 craft breweries—many of which are small, independent operations rooted in local communities.
The CCBA has also welcomed signs of progress in reducing interprovincial trade barriers, calling it a “positive first step” toward a more unified and accessible market for Canadian craft beer.
“People can order a pair of shoes or a board game from one coast to the other, but in most provinces, you still can’t get a bottle of wine, or a case of beer delivered from the province next door,” said Ryan Mallough, CFIB vice-president of legislative affairs. “It’s 2025. It makes no sense to leave alcohol delivery in the 1800s. Several provinces have gotten their legislative frameworks in place, but we need to see more action to allow goods to get moving.”
CFIB believes that a modernized approach to internal trade and alcohol delivery is critical for small business growth and consumer satisfaction. The organization hopes today’s CIT meeting results in meaningful progress and nationwide solutions that work for all Canadians.
Click here to review our complete list of craft breweries across Canada.