Leading Canada with open trade and labour mobility
Together with Alberta, British Columbia has led the removal of costly barriers to trade, investment and the free movement of skilled workers across Canada. The new Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) with Alberta has created the second largest economy in Canada, with a combined market of over 7.7 million people. That will add $5 billion in new economic growth and 78,000 new jobs to our province.
Under TILMA, businesses registered in one province are automatically recognized by the other. By harmonizing our standards and regulations, and eliminating costly administrative overlaps, we are saving businesses time and money. We are creating a larger market for businesses to grow without trade barriers.
British Columbia recently became the first province to legislate free labour mobility for skilled workers across Canada. Under the new Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT), all doctors, nurses, teachers and other professionals who are recognized in other provinces will soon be free to practice anywhere in Canada.
A BC Liberal Government will continue to implement the TILMA and the AIT. It will build a new Western Economic Partnership with Alberta and Saskatchewan to create an even broader open trade agreement this year. That will make the West an even greater economic powerhouse that will drive Canada’s economy into the 21st century. For more details, check out www.gov.bc.ca/tted
Drive the Coquihalla for free
The recent removal of tolls on the Coquihalla Highway will reduce travel costs by about $230 million over the next four years. A typical commercial truck making even one round trip per week will save $4,800 a year, while anyone who frequently travels over the Coquihalla will save hundreds.
New investment in roads, bridges, airports, borders, ports, ferries, rail and both public and rapid transit will result in significant savings from reduced travel times and lower fuel costs. Congestion currently costs our economy over $1.5 billion annually. By reducing congestion, we reduce travel times and increase family time, while we reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
