Release
Department of Intergovernmental Affairs, Office of the Premier
July 15, 2026
FREDERICTON (GNB) – New Brunswick is being recognized as one of Canada’s leaders in reducing barriers to trade and labour mobility, earning an A grade in the latest internal trade report card from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
This result tied for the country’s second-highest overall grade, marking a significant improvement from the C grade – ninth overall – the province received in 2025. It is also New Brunswick’s highest-ever grade in the federation’s annual report card.
“New Brunswick is proving that provinces can lead the way in breaking down barriers and creating a stronger, more connected Canadian economy,” said Premier Susan Holt. “Through our leadership on internal trade, we are removing unnecessary barriers, improving labour mobility and creating more opportunities for New Brunswick companies to grow. This recognition shows that New Brunswick is leading the way in modernizing internal trade in Canada.”
The federation’s report highlights New Brunswick’s bold leadership, innovative approaches to multi-jurisdictional licensing, expanded access to direct-to-consumer shipment of alcoholic beverages without markup, and improved timelines for recognizing certified workers from other provinces.
The government introduced legislation last November to modernize and simplify trade across the country. The Free Trade within Canada Act ensured that goods and services approved for sale in other Canadian jurisdictions are recognized as meeting New Brunswick’s standards. This allows New Brunswick products to be more easily sold in provinces with similar legislation, including Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
“Our government is committed to making it easier for New Brunswick businesses to compete, grow and reach new markets across the country,” said Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours. “By reducing regulatory barriers, improving co-operation with our provincial partners and creating more consistent rules for trade and labour mobility, we are delivering practical solutions that support economic growth and benefit New Brunswickers.”
The act also established a framework to support consistent and transparent regulatory practices for goods and services.
In July 2025, New Brunswick signed memorandums of understanding with Prince Edward Island and Manitoba to improve trade and labour mobility. Similar agreements were signed with Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario in April 2025.
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Media Contact(s)
Geoffrey Downey, communications, Department of Intergovernmental Affairs, [email protected].