What's 'New' in the New West Partnership Trade Agreement? The NWPTA and the Agreement on Internal Trade Compared

On April 30, 2010, the Canadian Provinces of Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia signed the New West Partnership, committing the provinces to four initiatives, including the New West Trade Partnership Agreement, which came into force on July 1, 2010. The NWPTA has been regarded by some commentators and representatives of the member provinces as a significant new step that reduces barriers to inter-provincial trade, investment and labour mobility. This view merits evaluation, however, particularly in the light of 2009 amendments to the (already in force) Agreement on Internal Trade which substantially updated the AIT’s labour mobility and dispute settlement chapters. This article evaluates the NWPTA and surveys its impact upon the internal trade commitments of its member provinces.

Keywords: Internal Trade in Canada, Trade Agreements

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