Measuring Interprovincial Trade Barriers in Canada and Assessing their Impact on Ontario's Agri-Food Exports to Other Provinces

Lead Applicant: Sylvanus Kwaku Afesorgbor

Research Priority: Trade, Market & Targeted Sector Growth Opportunities

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2026/2027

Research Centre: N/A

Research Summary: Interprovincial trade barriers continue to restrict internal trade in Canada, particularly within the agri-food sector. Reducing these barriers has become increasingly important as trade tensions with the United States have increased. Recent initiatives by Ontario, including agreements with Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, and the introduction of the Protecting Ontario through Free Trade Within Canada Act, aim to improve interprovincial trade. This project will identify and measure the barriers affecting Ontario agri-food producers and assess their impact on exports to other provinces. The findings will support efforts to improve competitiveness and strengthen domestic trade opportunities.