Key Takeaways
- The Government of Canada launched the Domestic Trade Commissioners Network (DTCN) to strengthen internal trade across provinces, territories, and federal Regional Development Agencies (RDAs).
- The network targets small‑ and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) by facilitating business‑to‑business connections, domestic trade missions, and events.
- It builds on existing RDA programs such as the Regional Tariff Response Initiative and the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation initiative, and supports chambers of commerce, provincial agencies, and industry groups.
- Ministers emphasized that removing internal trade barriers could raise Canada’s GDP by up to $200 billion, roughly $5,100 per person, and create a more resilient, unified economy.
- Current internal trade flows amount to about $530 billion annually, representing nearly 20 % of Canada’s GDP.
- Complementary federal actions include eliminating federal exceptions from the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, enacting the Free Trade and Labour Mobility Act, and implementing the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement on the Sale of Goods, alongside the Buy Canadian policy.
Launch of the Domestic Trade Commissioners Network
On April 21, 2026, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), together with the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada‑U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy, announced the creation of the Domestic Trade Commissioners Network. The network brings together representatives from every province and territory, as well as from each federal Regional Development Agency, to work collaboratively on enhancing domestic trade opportunities for Canadian businesses.
Purpose and Core Functions of the Network
The primary aim of the Domestic Trade Commissioners Network is to promote internal trade and expand opportunities for small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs). By acting as a business‑to‑business (B2B) facilitator, the network helps forge partnerships, increase interprovincial trade, and open doors for Canadian firms to participate in domestic trade missions and events. It also seeks to reduce internal barriers that impede the flow of goods and services across provincial and territorial borders.
Building on Existing RDA Initiatives
The network leverages the ongoing work of Canada’s Regional Development Agencies, which already deliver programs such as the Regional Tariff Response Initiative and the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation initiative. In addition, the RDAs support local chambers of commerce, provincial and territorial agencies, and industry associations in preparing for and engaging in domestic trade missions. This foundation ensures that the DTCN can quickly translate policy goals into tangible business outcomes.
Ministerial Endorsements and Vision
Minister Olszewski highlighted that the RDAs’ direct connections with SMEs, local relationships, and national networks uniquely position them to amplify business participation in domestic trade, calling the launch “great news for the Prairies economy and businesses.” Minister LeBlanc stressed that the network is a cornerstone of the federal strategy to strengthen interprovincial trade, create “one Canadian economy,” and put more money in Canadians’ pockets by removing internal barriers.
Regional Perspectives on Economic Unity
Other ministers echoed the sentiment that a stronger, unified Canadian economy benefits all regions. Minister Mélanie Joly noted that the network will open tangible opportunities for Quebec’s SMEs and Canadian industries by fostering regional partnerships. Minister Sean Fraser pointed out that the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) will help Atlantic firms connect, scale, and build resilience. Minister Gregor Robertson emphasized British Columbia’s ambition to leverage domestic trade in sectors like tech, life sciences, energy, and manufacturing to create good jobs nationwide.
Northern and Arctic Contributions
Minister Rebecca Chartrand underscored that investing in RDAs helps businesses expand trade networks, unlock new opportunities, and grow both at home and abroad, reinforcing local innovation as a driver of national prosperity. Minister Patty Hajdu added that the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) will, through the DTCN, protect businesses while building a stronger workforce that reflects northern expertise, thereby generating real opportunities for workers and entrepreneurs in the North.
Southern Ontario and Innovation Focus
Minister Evan Solomon, responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, highlighted that the network enables Canadian businesses to sell, grow, and create jobs domestically. By breaking down internal barriers, connecting firms to new markets, and strengthening supply chains across the country, the DTCN contributes to a more resilient, integrated economy that works for workers, entrepreneurs, and communities in every region.
Quick Facts on Internal Trade Impact
The government released several quick‑facts to illustrate the significance of internal trade. Currently, around $530 billion worth of goods and services move across provincial and territorial borders each year, accounting for nearly 20 % of Canada’s gross domestic product. Estimates suggest that eliminating all federal, provincial, and territorial internal trade barriers could boost GDP by as much as $200 billion over time—equivalent to roughly $5,100 per person.
Policy Measures Complementing the Network
To realize these gains, the federal government is taking concrete steps: removing federal exceptions from the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, eliminating federal barriers through the Free Trade and Labour Mobility Act, and implementing the recent Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement on the Sale of Goods. Additionally, the Buy Canadian policy prioritizes Canadian suppliers and domestically produced goods and services in government procurement, further strengthening domestic supply chains.
Contact Information and Outreach
For media inquiries, contacts include Soraya Lemur, Press Secretary for Minister Olszewski (email: [email protected]; phone: 343‑574‑6781), and Gabriel Brunet, Press Secretary for Minister LeBlanc (email: [email protected]; phone: 819‑665‑6527). General media relations can be reached via Prairies Economic Development Canada ([email protected]) and the Privy Council Office (613‑957‑5420, [email protected]). The public is encouraged to follow PrairiesCan on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for updates, and to call the toll‑free line 1‑888‑338‑9378 (TTY 1‑877‑303‑3388) for assistance.
In sum, the Domestic Trade Commissioners Network represents a coordinated, nationwide effort to dismantle internal trade barriers, empower SMEs, and cultivate a more cohesive, prosperous Canadian economy by leveraging the strengths of regional development agencies and provincial partners.