National business coalition calls on internal trade ministers to establish
strong dispute resolution process

OTTAWA, Nov. 29 /CNW/ - With the upcoming meeting of the Committee on Internal Trade (CIT) ministers in Saskatoon on December 3, a national coalition of business groups is urging governments to conclude their discussions to fix the person-to-government dispute resolution process.

Recently, federal, provincial and territorial governments have made significant improvements to the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT), but the work is unfinished.  Ministers must work together to find common ground to strengthen the person-to-government dispute resolution mechanism.  This mechanism needs to be accessible, effective and less expensive to enable individuals, businesses and organizations to challenge any obstacles to trade of goods and services.

The business coalition suggests one option worthy of serious consideration is to bring this dispute resolution mechanism in line with the newly enhanced government-to-government dispute resolution mechanism, which includes an appeals process, enforcement measures and monetary penalties.

The coalition also calls on governments to relinquish their "gate keeper" role in the process and replace it with direct access to an Internal Trade Tribunal. This is one of four key measures identified by the business coalition to strengthen internal trade.

As the Government of Canada looks towards expanding trade opportunities with the European Union as well as India, they must stay focused on fixing the barriers to trade and labour mobility within this country. The business coalition stands behind the CIT ministers' efforts and encourages them to continue working towards revitalizing the AIT.

Coalition members include the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association, the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada, the Dairy Processors Association of Canada and the Vegetable Oil Industry of Canada.

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