Next step for provinces/territories is broad recognition of each other's rules
TORONTO, July 17, 2015 /CNW/ - The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) applauds Canada's premiers for taking a strong first step in the fight to remove internal trade barriers as the provincial and territorial leaders meet in St. John's.
"Canada faces a significant skilled worker shortage," said CFIB executive vice-president Laura Jones. "And making it easier to move between provinces will help to attract more people to the skilled trades."
The Provincial-Territorial Apprentice Mobility Protocol will allow provinces to recognize each other's technical training programs, work experience and examination results for apprentices as they move between provinces and territories in Canada.
Prior to the meeting, small business owners called on premiers to eliminate barriers to trade between provinces and territories, and to reject any mandatory CPP increases. CFIB sent a letter to each premier asking that they show leadership on both of these files.
CFIB is thrilled with the premiers' commitment on apprenticeship mobility, and believes it is a sign of things to come in pursuit of a modernized Agreement on Internal Trade.
"Premiers deserve a pat on the back. It's not easy to get 13 jurisdictions to agree on anything," said. "This is great work toward the bigger goal of free trade in Canada. The next big step is to mutually recognize each other's regulations. That's the mother lode."
"This agreement is good for workers. It's good for business. It's good for the economy. What's not to like?" added Jones.
CFIB will continue monitor the protocol's progress and implementation in 2016.
CFIB is Canada's largest association of small- and medium-sized businesses with 109,000 members across every sector and region.
SOURCE Canadian Federation of Independent Business
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To arrange an interview with Laura Jones, please contact Al Maggi at 416-222-8022 or [email protected].
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