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Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation

Domestic Trade

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, 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. 

British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan signed the New West Partnership on April 30, 2010. The agreement augments the strong economic foundation of the West, increases co-operation and fosters strong prosperity for the region, its people and its businesses.

The New West Partnership includes a trade agreement component that extends the TILMA to include Saskatchewan.

The New West Partnership Trade Agreement obligations are consistent with those in the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement signed by British Columbia and Alberta in 2006. The agreement came into effect July 1, 2010. However, Saskatchewan has until July 1, 2013, to fully implement the Agreement.

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