First Ministers’ Meeting

Date:   January 16, 2009    

For immediate release

FIRST MINISTERS ENDORSE FULL LABOUR MOBILITY ACROSS CANADA

OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Provincial Premiers and Territorial Leaders endorsed two key amendments to the Agreement on Internal Trade ( AIT) at today’s First Ministers’ Meeting.

“I am very pleased and the premiers and territorial leaders are to be commended for their leadership in taking action to ensure all Canadian workers have the freedom to be able to work in their fields anywhere in Canada,” said the Prime Minister. “Today’s amendments pave the way for further strengthening our economic union.”

Each amendment marks significant progress toward eliminating internal trade barriers and enhancing labour mobility in Canada.

The revised Labour Mobility Chapter of the AIT will provide that any worker certified for an occupation by a regulatory authority of one province or territory is to be recognized as qualified for that occupation by all other provinces and territories.

The revised government-to-government dispute resolution mechanism of the AIT will, among other things, provide for monetary penalties of up to $5 million, depending on the size of the jurisdiction, for continued non-compliance with AIT obligations.

Removing barriers to internal trade helps to ensure that Canada’s economy is competitive, productive, and well-positioned for long-term success.

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