Quebec-Ontario trade deal still elusive

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has already signed memoranda of understanding on internal trade with all Canadian provinces and territories except Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.

At a press conference with Quebec Premier Francois Legault, both leaders joked but acknowledged that no agreement has been reached yet.

Ford expressed confidence that a deal with Quebec will be concluded, calling Legault a “smart businessman” and a “friend” who understands that the prosperity of Ontario and Quebec is beneficial to the entire country.

Lego, meanwhile, said that Quebec will achieve the same goals through its own bill, Bill 112, which will be passed in the fall. This law will facilitate the entry of goods and certified professionals from other provinces, with the exception of certain categories that will be published on the government’s website.

Quebec Economy Minister Christopher Skeete explained that Quebec considers individual interprovincial agreements unnecessary bureaucracy. The new law would immediately open the market by eliminating the need for bilateral agreements.

He noted that Quebec would retain consumer protection requirements, product warranties, and French language obligations. For example, scooters from other provinces would still have to have instructions in French and comply with local regulations.

“The law will simplify the rules,” Skeet said. “But doing business in Quebec still has to be done according to Quebec rules.”