Internal trade

Internal trade is the buying and selling of goods and services across provinces and territories in Canada. It also includes allowing workers and businesses to move more easily between regions by recognizing certifications and reducing duplicate rules.

On July 1, 2026, New Brunswick introduced the Free Trade Within Canada Act (FTWCA). This new law helps reduce barriers to trade across the country, making it easier to do business within Canada.

The law recognizes the rules that other Canadian jurisdictions (meaning the Government of Canada or another province or territory)have for selling goods and services. If a product or a service can be sold in another part of Canada, it can be sold in New Brunswick. If someone is certified to sell a good or a service, they can get the same certification here in New Brunswick.

This means businesses from other parts of Canada don’t need to go through duplicate  or unnecessary requirements to sell their goods and services in our province. At the same time, safety and quality standards are still in place to protect everyone.

Most provinces and territories in Canada are adopting similar laws, which gives businesses in New Brunswick the same benefits when they trade outside the province.

New Brunswick is making it easier for skilled workers to move and work in our province. Through laws like the Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act and upcoming changes to the Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Act, workers can now receive faster recognition of their certifications.

This means professionals like healthcare workers can start their careers in New Brunswick more quickly without delays caused by duplicate qualifications or processes. These changes help address workforce needs and support industries across the province.

New Brunswick’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) system allows consumers to purchase alcoholic beverages from producers from other provinces, offering more choices for consumers.

• Simpler process, no extra costs: No markups, no fees, and no additional administration.
• Support for producers: Breweries, wineries, and distilleries can sell their products directly to customers, reaching more people within New Brunswick and across Canada.
• Access to unique products from across Canada: New Brunswick residents can now buy directly from producers in other parts of the country.
• Expanding opportunities for local producers: The upcoming interprovincial DTC operating agreement will provide New Brunswick producers with access to even more markets across the country.

New Brunswick has seized the moment to address ongoing issues in internal trade. As part of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), we are reducing trade barriers and making business opportunities more accessible across Canada.

• Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement on the Sale of Goods (CMRA): Our province recognizes goods approved in other parts of Canada, creating a simpler process for selling products nationwide.

We also take part in cooperative agreements with other provinces, including: Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Manitoba, and Prince Edward Island for specific initiatives.

These efforts demonstrate our commitment to strong trade relationships and economic growth across the country.

New Brunswick is your partner for growth. With modern regulations and innovative support like Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB)’s Business Navigators , we’re helping businesses navigate trade and mobility reforms.

Whether you’re expanding your business or exploring new opportunities, New Brunswick is making Canada's trade landscape more accessible than ever.