For decades, Canada has been stuck in a cycle of big talk and small steps when it comes to interprovincial trade. Now, as we worry about our ability to trade north to south, the irony is that Canada does not have free trade from east to west in goods, services and labour.

Reducing interprovincial trade barriers isn’t a new idea. We’ve talked the talk and slowly walked the walk. But now, it’s time to run.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to hit Canada with 25-per-cent tariffs, risking a mutually beneficial trade relationship that has been built over decades of cooperation—which has been a key pillar of our shared prosperity. So, what can we do mitigate the negative consequences of this potential trade disruption? One thing that is in our control is to create the conditions for a stronger, more competitive economy. But we can’t do that when businesses continue to face arcane regulatory barriers between provinces that make it easier to trade with Tokyo than with Toronto.

Consider this: It’s illegal in most provinces to order beer, wine and spirits from another province. Until recently, first-aid kits had to comply with province-specific rules, despite serving the same purpose nationwide. Truckers carrying oversized loads face a........

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