TORONTO, July 28, 2026 -- As the United States escalates tariffs once again, the Toronto Region Board of Trade is demanding the federal government strengthen Canada's economic resilience by finally delivering a single Canadian market.
Released today, 'Patchwork to Prosperity', calls for Canada's provinces to authorize the federal government to establish a clear national vision for a single Canadian market, bring provinces together around a time-bound implementation plan, publicly track progress, and act as the guarantor to ensure the work gets done.
To lead these efforts, provinces and territories should have the first opportunity to deliver a single market by harmonizing the laws, regulations, and administrative systems within their own jurisdictions.
The International Monetary Fund estimates that Canada's internal trade barriers impose costs equivalent to a 9.5% tariff on the economy. It also estimates that removing those barriers could increase Canada's GDP by $210 billion, nearly half of what the Toronto Region produces in a year.
The report states that the single market work should start with six priority sectors: housing and building codes, alcohol, food, labour mobility, manufacturing, and transportation, and offers sector specific actions to tackle them.
“Canada cannot control U.S. trade policy. But it can control the barriers that hold its own economy back, At a time of growing global uncertainty, businesses don't need another round of announcements. They need governments to deliver one Canadian market.”
— Giles Gherson, President & CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade
The Toronto Region Board of Trade is one of the largest and most influential business chambers in North America and is a catalyst for the region’s economic agenda. We pursue policy change to drive the growth and competitiveness of the Toronto region and facilitate market opportunities with programs, partnerships and connections to help our members succeed – domestically and internationally.
Media Contact
media@bot.com
