Alberta and Yukon Territory have signed a new deal to grow trade, jobs and investment between the two regions.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Yukon Premier Mike Pemberton signed the deal at the Council of the Federation meeting, held in Ontario from July 21 to 23.
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“Canada’s premiers are making it our collective goal to knock down the barriers that have been holding back our workers and our economies for far too long,” said Smith.
“This agreement is the latest in a new era of cooperation. It will see provinces and territories unleash the full potential of our national economy.”
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) will help Alberta businesses sell more goods and services into the Yukon.
It will also give Yukon-based companies access to Alberta’s markets and investment opportunities.
“Alberta looks forward to working with the Yukon through this agreement to build a more adaptable and competitive labour market,” said Smith.
The premiers said both governments will work to align job credentials, licensing and certification.
They also want to give more chances for apprentices and skilled workers to move between the two jurisdictions.
Yukon supports Team Canada
“The Yukon is proud to support Team Canada efforts to reduce barriers to trade, investment and labour mobility,” said Pemberton.
“This agreement builds on work the Yukon has already done to reduce red tape across the territory,” he said.
“It strengthens our long-standing cooperation with Alberta. We look forward to accelerating that work for the benefit of Yukoners and Albertans alike.”
The agreement will also recognize the role of Indigenous communities in economic development.
It aligns with the Canada Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), which aims to reduce trade barriers within Canada.
The MOU builds on earlier deals, including a 2017 apprenticeship training agreement.
Alberta and Yukon have both recently removed many trade exceptions under the CFTA to make it easier to do business.
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