While there are other issues we’re trying to overcome with regard to energy development and export, strengthening free trade within Canada would be a huge win

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We are now less than a month from what was supposed to be the ushering in of a new era of free trade in Canada. However, that may turn out to be somewhat less than advertised.

Prime Minister Mark Carney had previously pledged to dismantle trade barriers within Canada by July 1. Now, the pledge is more modest: Ottawa intends to introduce legislation before Canada Day that will aim to eliminate federal trade barriers.

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In fairness, there is an inherent limit on federal ambition on this issue. The federal government can address its own trade barriers, but can’t force the provinces to do so. The good news is that there’s nothing stopping the provinces from taking action.

The tariff threat from U.S. President Donald Trump has underscored the urgency of making trade within Canada as free as possible. There should be added incentive for Alberta to make this work and demonstrate the economic value of remaining a part of Canada.

Premier Danielle Smith has previously boasted — not without justification — that “Alberta is the national leader in interprovincial trade.”

On the eve of Monday’s first ministers’ meeting in Saskatoon, for example, Alberta and Ontario announced (as did Ontario and Saskatchewan) a non-binding........

© Edmonton Journal