Trade barriers between provinces a ‘perfect storm of dumb’: Industry Minister

VANCOUVER – Federal Industry Minister James Moore says trade barriers between provinces are "the perfect storm of dumb."

In a speech to business leaders at the Vancouver Board of Trade, Moore says its easier to sell goods internationally than interprovincially.

Moore says it doesn't make sense for businesses to complain about competition between provinces, because they're already competing with companies abroad through international trade agreements.

Moore is pushing for an agreement between all premiers by the end of the year that would break down internal trade barriers across Canada.

In July, the premiers of Saskatchewan, Alberta and B.C. issued a joint letter supporting freer trade.

Critics have called Canada's Agreement on Internal Trade that governs trade between provinces ineffective and say it hasn't increased business.