Update on Bill 36 - Free Trade and Mobility within Canada Act

Incorporating feedback from Nova Scotia’s professional regulators, Bill 36 - Free Trade and Mobility within Canada Act has received royal assent and is now in force. This Act supports trade and mobility within Canada, removing barriers to the free movement of goods, services, and investments across provincial and territorial borders.
 

The Act, introduced by Honourable Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia, streamlines interprovincial trade and enhances economic cooperation. Key provisions of the Act include:
 

• Removal of Trade Barriers: The Act eliminates barriers to trade in goods, services, and investments between Nova Scotia and other Canadian jurisdictions.
   
• Reciprocating Jurisdictions: Goods and services approved in other Canadian jurisdictions will be treated as if they were approved in Nova Scotia, without additional fees or testing.
   
• Licensing and Certification: Professionals holding equivalent licenses or certifications from other provinces will be recognized in Nova Scotia after verification of good standing in their home jurisdiction.
   

Engineers Nova Scotia played an important role in advocating for amendments to protect public safety and regulatory standards. The amendments address unintended risks inherent in the initial draft legislation: the possibility of professionals practicing in Nova Scotia without the provincial regulator's knowledge, and the gaps in legislative authority to regulate such individuals.

To review the Free Trade and Mobility within Canada Act, CLICK HERE

To view Engineers Nova Scotia’s representation to the Public Bills Committee delivered by the CEO and Registrar, Pal Mann, P.Eng. CLICK HERE

The complete video is found below.