Sophie Chatel calls for easing of interprovincial trade barriers

Sophie Chatel calls for easing of interprovincial trade barriers

Pontiac MP Sophie Chatel recently published an opinion column in the Gatineau news outlet Le Droit concerning the threat of American tariffs on Canadian goods and the need to ease interprovincial barriers to trade. In a French-language interview with Le Droit’s François Carrier for his show “Clin d’œil sur l’Outaouais” on CHIP 101.9, she pointed to the abattoir in Shawville, which, when it was operational, was unable to sell its products on the other side of the river.

There are currently several obstacles to simplifying trade between the two provinces, including labour mobility. Chatel believes that despite these difficulties, the current situation would allow for change.

“In order to strengthen the national and regional economy, one of our greatest assets lies in supporting Canadian consumers in purchasing local products,” she wrote in her column (translated). “In addition to freeing the interprovincial market from these obstacles, it is essential to actively promote a campaign encouraging the purchase of Canadian goods and services, while providing consumers with the tools they need to easily identify them.”

Chatel added that she believed President Trump’s threats to transform Canada into an American state are very real.

The full (French-language) interview with Chatel (33m), is available here.