Province receives top marks from Canadian Federation of Independent Business as legislation to reduce internal trade barriers is proclaimed
Regulations for the Interprovincial Trade and Mobility Act (ITMA) have been developed, and the Act came into force on July 11, 2026.
The ITMA was passed in the 2025 spring session of the Legislative Assembly as part of government’s tariff response plan to navigate global economic uncertainties. The proclamation of the Act is an important step forward in the province’s commitment to Team Canada, which aims to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, supporting freer movement of Canadian goods and services, as well as improve labour mobility conditions for various professions.
Working alongside the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), the ITMA and its regulations operate on the principle of mutual recognition with reciprocal jurisdictions. Goods, services, and labour credentials that meet the necessary licensing, and regulatory standards of the home jurisdiction will now be recognized as meeting the necessary criteria in Prince Edward Island. Building on existing labour mobility and credential recognition measures, the ITMA also introduces a 10-day service standard to help ensure licensing decisions are made more quickly for applicants from participating jurisdictions.
Reciprocal jurisdictions of the ITMA will include the Governments of Canada, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. As other Canadian jurisdictions implement their own legislative frameworks, PEI will recognize them as additional reciprocal jurisdictions.
Coupled with PEI’s 2025 Memorandum of Understanding signed with the governments of Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, Island residents and businesses can expect to see improved access and flow of goods and services, as well as a more flexible mobile workforce for these participating jurisdictions.
Learn more about the Interprovincial Trade and Mobility Act and its regulations here.
Quotes:
“Proclaiming this legislation is another step toward a stronger, more connected Canadian economy. Prince Edward Island is proud to have earned an ‘A’ for our work to improve internal trade, and this proclamation helps ensure we continue leading that effort. The result will be more choice for consumers, greater opportunities for workers, and better access to markets for Island businesses.”
-Premier of Prince Edward Island Rob Lantz
“PEI is an export-driven province with a variety of goods and services that Canadians want and need. Reducing our own internal barriers so Island businesses can gain greater market access is smart, responsible policy that will strengthen a healthy, resilient, and diversified Island economy. The benefits from these important changes will no doubt improve the lives of Islanders and our province.”
- Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Artificial Intelligence Jenn Redmond
“A more mobile workforce makes both Prince Edward Island and Canada stronger. It helps businesses find the talent they need, supports workers in building their careers, and improves our ability to respond to global economic pressures. We will continue working with regulators to remove barriers and make it easier for qualified professionals to work across jurisdictions.”
- Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning Zack Bell
Media Contacts:
Emily Blue
Office of the Premier
emilyblue@gov.pe.ca
April Gallant
Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning
adlgallant@gov.pe.ca
Vicki Tse
Department of Economic Development, Trade and Artificial Intelligence
vickitse@gov.pe.ca