A golden opportunity for interprovincial trade

Although provincial and federal political actors broadly agree on the value of a more integrated Canadian market, the biggest obstacle standing between political will and a fully optimized market is our federal system itself.

Canadians understand that unity strengthens the federation, yet their attitudes toward market integration are shaped by provincial identity, writes Valérie Lapointe.Photograph courtesy of Valdas Miskinis, Pixabay.com

Opinion

BY VALéRIE LAPOINTE

April 27, 2026

In a recent interview, former Quebec premier Jean Charest, who currently serves as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s adviser on Canada–United States relations, remarked that Canada “will thank [President] Donald Trump in 20 years.”

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