Joint Statement: Fredericton Chamber & Board of Trade Applaud MOU to Eliminate Trade Barriers

The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade (St. John’s) applaud the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick. The commitment to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers marks a pivotal step towards enhancing economic opportunities and deeper collaboration between our provinces.
 
This united approach is a strong example of regional cooperation, reducing unnecessary barriers and paving the way for smoother trade and greater opportunities for skilled workers to move more freely throughout the region. By cutting red tape, we’re not only creating new business opportunities but also building a more efficient and connected workforce. Our organizations and members are eager to support and embrace the opportunities it creates.
 
The current situation we are facing underscores the vital need for collaboration between Canadian provinces and Atlantic Canada’s history of cooperation and shared success makes us the ideal region to lead by example and showcase the benefits of interprovincial cooperation.
 
On April 3, 2025, the chambers of commerce from the four Atlantic capital cities—the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, and the Board of Trade—convened the first roundtable discussion on Atlantic interprovincial trade. This collaboration aimed to identify opportunities to harmonize regulations to improve productivity, competitiveness, and prosperity across Atlantic Canada.
 
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce has also recently highlighted Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2023 province-wide ridesharing legislation as an exemplary framework for effectively streamlining regulations and enabling businesses to operate efficiently across provincial borders. These regulations, shaped by the contributions by the Board of Trade and input from the private sector, exemplifies the potential for harmonization of best practices between Canadian provinces and industry sectors. The principles of the MOU between Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick can continue through such a collaborative legislative process.
 
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade are committed to continuing to work closely together, and with our provincial governments, to identify best practices and accelerate cooperation between our provinces. Together, we can reinforce a supportive Atlantic Canada that serves as a cornerstone of a strong and united Canada.

Morgan Peters, CEO, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce

AnnMarie Boudreau, CEO, The Board of Trade