Ontario and Manitoba Sign Agreement to Reduce Trade Barriers

Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on May 14, 2025, to reduce barriers to trade between the two provinces. The agreement, as described in official statements, is aimed at increasing the flow of goods, services, investment, and workers between Ontario and Manitoba, including changes related to direct-to-consumer alcohol sales and labour mobility.

The Ontario government stated that interprovincial trade between Ontario and Manitoba was valued at $19.5 billion in 2021. Provincial officials say that lowering trade barriers is intended to encourage more economic activity between the two provinces.

According to Ontario, the new MOU follows similar agreements signed with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and is part of ongoing efforts associated with the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act. Ontario further indicated it is continuing discussions with other provinces, territories, and the federal government to address interprovincial trade issues.

The Ontario government also reported that it is seeking federal approval and funding for infrastructure projects such as pipelines, railways, airports, and seaports.

Provincial trade data provided by Ontario indicate that in 2023, Ontario exported $183.9 billion in goods and services to other Canadian provinces and territories, while importing $142.7 billion, resulting in a two-way trade total of $326.6 billion and a reported surplus of $41.2 billion. Ontario also reports that 35 percent of Canada’s total trade occurs within the country’s borders.

According to government figures, Manitoba’s leading exports to Ontario include canola oil products and conventional crude oil. Ontario’s key exports to Manitoba are reported as household goods, food, and beverages.