The FCCQ supports the Government of Canada's intention to improve commercial exchanges between the provinces

MONTREAL, June 14, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) took part today in the Internal Trade Symposium in Ottawa, where various academics from Canada and the United States, who had been mandated to examine the problematic aspects of our internal trade, presented their vision of the future with respect to the elimination of interprovincial trade barriers to a forum of business leaders and provincial stakeholders from across Canada.

The FCCQ supports this initiative and wishes to see the prompt establishment of long-term objectives that would ensure real improvements for Canadian businesses. "Businesses must benefit from advantageous and facilitating business conditions that promote competitiveness, for both internal trade and on the global market. We fully support the implementation of a large-scale commercial program that can increase the trade capacity of businesses in the various provinces and enhance work force mobility," declared Françoise Bertrand, CEO of the FCCQ.

Moreover, this program should follow examples set in other countries, such as Switzerland and Australia, whose programs have been tried and tested, rather than re-inventing the wheel. Specifically, the program must reduce bureaucracy and align regulations, by standardizing internal and international trade. Also, it must simplify the registration of businesses and their capacity to hire resources.

"New internal trade rules could have positive effects on both competition and the growth of our businesses, which will have significant economic impacts on all Canadians. Whether they are in Québec, Manitoba or British Columbia, businesses will be able to make the most of the liberalization of our internal trade rules, which will also have a positive effect on their capacity to hire qualified resources and develop new business opportunities," Ms. Bertrand concluded.

The FCCQ, in conjunction with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, has already supported the free trade agreement between Ontario and Québec. Thus, the FCCQ will closely follow the work of the Committee on Internal Trade established by Industry Minister Christian Paradis.

About the FCCQ
With its wide network of more than 150 chambers of commerce and 1200 businesses, the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) represents more than 60,000 businesses and 150,000 business people involved in all sectors of the economy throughout Québec.
As the largest network of business people and businesses in Québec, the FCCQ strongly supports its members' interests in matters of public policy, thus promoting an innovative and competitive business environment.

 

SOURCE: Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec

Camilla Sironi
Communications Advisor
Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec
Tel.: [phone], ext. 3227
Cell: 514 647-4745
[email protected]