The federal government can talk endlessly about eliminating interprovincial trade barriers, but ultimately, it is up to the provinces to take real action. Canada now has a clear front-runner in this effort: Nova Scotia.
Premier Tim Houston and his government have recognized the steep cost that interprovincial trade barriers have imposed on their province and the Atlantic region. Being geographically distant from major markets has already put Nova Scotia at a disadvantage, making it difficult to compete against larger provinces unless a sector has developed a unique competitive edge — such as the province’s thriving wine industry. However, with trade barriers limiting access to larger provincial markets, growth in the food sector has been stifled.
