Transport Minister Designated for Free Trade Act

Summary#

This order names the Minister of Transport as the federal minister responsible for matters under the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act. The designation was made by the Governor General in Council on the recommendation of the Prime Minister on July 3, 2025, and published in the Canada Gazette on July 16, 2025.

What it does#

• Designates the Minister of Transport as the minister for the purposes of the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act.
• The designation was made by the Governor General in Council after a recommendation from the Prime Minister under the authority of the Act.
• This is an internal assignment of responsibility inside the federal government. The order does not change the text of the Act itself.

Who's affected#

• The most directly affected party is the Minister of Transport, because the minister now has formal responsibility under the Act.
• Federal officials and legal or administrative teams who work on matters under the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act will deal with the Minister of Transport as the responsible minister.
• It is unclear from the notice whether this will cause any immediate changes for businesses, workers, provinces or the public. No new regulatory or program changes are announced in the order.

Why it matters#

• The order decides which federal minister is officially responsible for carrying out and answering for the Act.
• That affects where inquiries, decisions, and any future actions under the Act will be directed inside the government.
• For most members of the public this is a routine administrative step with no immediate practical effect.