NEW TRADE RULES BENEFIT SASKATCHEWAN

Minister responsible for Trade Tim McMillan is pleased with new trade rules that will help open up markets across Canada for Saskatchewan businesses and producers. The rules were agreed to yesterday by federal, provincial and territorial internal trade ministers.

Ministers approved changes to the national Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) that will provide Canadians and Canadian businesses with a more effective process for dealing with barriers that restrict economic growth in Canada.

For the first time since the AIT was signed in 1995, governments and the private sector can challenge barriers to an open and fair marketplace in Canada through a credible and enforceable process.

"Saskatchewan is particularly proud to have chaired the committee that completed the overhaul of the AIT's dispute rules," McMillan said. "These changes will benefit the many Saskatchewan producers, businesses and consumers that rely on access to other markets in Canada, helping our growing economy.

"We recognize the importance of removing trade barriers across the country and the positive effect is has on not only Saskatchewan, but the rest of the provinces as well. Our government has made it very clear that economic development and the strengthened trade relationships that come with it benefit the entire country, rather than any one province or region."

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For more information, contact:

Joanne Johnson
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7967
Email: joanne.johnson@enterprisesask.ca