PCA Supports Easing Trade Restrictions as Part of Alberta’s Fair Deal Report

The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA), whose member companies are builders of major infrastructure projects that employ thousands of Alberta and B.C workers, welcomes the Alberta government’s Fair Deal Panel Report, aimed at giving the province a stronger voice within confederation.

PCA is an unequivocal supporter of the Report’s third recommendation, which calls for collaboration with other jurisdictions to reduce trade barriers within Canada and put pressure on the federal government to enforce free trade within Canada.

“Interprovincial trade barriers of all kinds drive up construction costs and stand in the way of good, well-paying construction jobs that are essential to Alberta’s recovery and that of Canada as a whole,” said Paul de Jong, president of the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA). “Albertans and their provincial neighbours will benefit when the provinces agree to remove artificial barriers in training, credentialing and mobility for skilled labour, as well as exclusionary local hire provisions that add red tape and stifle productivity and opportunity.”

PCA is calling on the Alberta government to prioritize recommendation three and urge neighbouring provinces to follow suit.

“The free movement of goods and people is a no-brainer,” added de Jong. “Alberta can no longer afford barriers and restrictions that hinder economic growth.  This is the time to open doors, so that Alberta’s builders can do what they do best: constructing this province’s future and creating good-paying jobs for Albertans.”

The 68-page Fair Deal Panel Report, promised by the UCP government includes 25 recommendations based on consultations with thousands of Albertans.