Domestic Trade

Overview

In April 2006, British Columbia and Alberta signed the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA).

The TILMA creates a more open, competitive economy where goods, services, certified workers and investments can move freely between the two provinces. This innovative agreement gives businesses and workers in both provinces seamless access to a larger range of opportunities across all sectors including energy, transportation, labour mobility, business registration, and government procurement.

Specifically, the agreement:

• Reconciles standards/regulations to eliminate unnecessary red tape
• Streamlines business registration and reporting requirements
• Enhances labour mobility by recognizing occupational certifications of workers in both provinces
• Provides open and non-discriminatory access to government procurement
• Creates a clear, comprehensive and enforceable dispute resolution mechanism.

TILMA came into force on April 1, 2007, and took full effect on April 1, 2009.

At the national level, British Columbia is also party to the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT), a trade agreement between all provinces, two territories and the Government of Canada.  This agreement provides basic rules of trade for many important sectors of the Canadian economy.  The TILMA expands on the AIT, deepening and widening opportunities for Alberta and British Columbia.

The site provides a brief overview of these agreements and activities, and links to further resources.