CFIB urges clarity on internal trade rules

CFIB Backs Easier Alcohol Shipping

As the Committee on Internal Trade (CIT) prepares to meet, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is urging officials to finalize a pan-Canadian mutual recognition agreement and support interprovincial alcohol delivery. 

In a letter sent to the committee, CFIB highlights the need for uniform rules across provinces. The organization notes that while progress has been made in the past six months, inconsistent provincial approaches risk creating confusion for small businesses.  

“As we noted in our annual Internal Trade Report Card last week, there has been more progress on removing trade barriers within Canada in the past six months than in eight years since the Canadian Free Trade Agreement was signed,” said SeoRhin Yoo, senior policy analyst for interprovincial affairs.  

“But with multiple jurisdictions taking multiple approaches on the file, there is potential for a confusing patchwork of rules and regulations. The CIT is a critical piece to stop that from happening and provide the clarity small businesses need to move forward and plan with confidence.” 

During the June 2, 2025 First Ministers meeting in Saskatoon, leaders directed the CIT to finalize a mutual recognition agreement for consumer goods by December 2025. Seven provinces have already passed related legislation, but CFIB wants clear guidance on how the CIT agreement will align with these laws and impact future internal trade. 

CFIB also raised concerns about interprovincial alcohol delivery. After a March 2025 meeting in Ottawa, several provinces began developing frameworks for direct-to-consumer alcohol shipments. However, Manitoba remains the only province fully allowing such deliveries for Canadian wine, beer, and spirits.   

The Canadian Craft Brewers Association (CCBA) has reiterated its support for federal and provincial efforts to expand direct-to-consumer sales—a move the association says will benefit both consumers and the country’s 1,200 craft breweries, many of which operate in rural and small-town communities. 

The CCBA also welcomed recent progress on reducing interprovincial trade barriers, calling it a “positive first step” toward a more streamlined and accessible market for Canadian craft beer. The association believes these changes could open new opportunities for local producers and strengthen regional economies. 

“People can order a pair of shoes or a board game from one coast to the other, but in most provinces, you still can’t get a bottle of wine, or a case of beer delivered from the province next door,” said Ryan Mallough, CFIB vice-president of legislative affairs. “It’s 2025. It makes no sense to leave alcohol delivery in the 1800s. Several provinces have gotten their legislative frameworks in place, but we need to see more action to allow goods to get moving.” 

With growing consumer demand and small businesses relying on simplified trade, CFIB is calling for immediate and consistent action. The group hopes today’s CIT meeting will provide the progress and clarity Canadian businesses need. 

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