Summary#
This bill gives the British Columbia government temporary tools to respond to trade actions by other provinces. It aims to keep goods and services moving, guide public-sector purchasing, and allow targeted tolls or fees on some provincial roads and ferries.
- Lets goods and services that are allowed in another province be sold or supplied in B.C., even if B.C. has different rules, unless the cabinet makes exceptions.
- Allows ministers to order regulators or bodies (including some non-government ones) to change or cancel rules that block interprovincial trade; if they do not act in 60 days, the minister can do it directly.
- Lets the cabinet issue purchasing directives to ministries and other government organizations, and protects those entities from lawsuits when they follow the directives.
- Allows the cabinet to set tolls, fees, or charges for using provincial highways and B.C. Ferries, and to collect and share personal information needed to run and enforce those systems.
- Most of these powers are temporary and set to end on May 28, 2026, with a legislative committee review and public reporting requirements.
What it means for you#
- Shoppers and consumers
- You may see more products from other provinces on shelves, even if they follow different testing, labelling, or certification rules used elsewhere in Canada.
- Safety and eligibility rules about who can buy or use certain goods still apply (for example, age limits).
- People buying services
- Services that can be offered in another province can be offered in B.C. too, even if B.C. has different marketing or testing rules for that service.
- This does not change worker licensing for regulated jobs (like nurses or electricians); those are handled under a separate law.
- Drivers and ferry users
- The province could introduce new or different tolls or fees on some provincial roads, bridges, or B.C. Ferries. Amounts can vary by vehicle type, user, or other classes the government sets.
- If you do not pay, the amount can be collected as a debt. The government can register it with a court like a judgment.
- Privacy
- The government may collect and share personal information (for example, licence plate data or contact details) to run and enforce tolls and fees.
- Businesses (in B.C. and in other provinces)
- It may be easier to sell into B.C. if your product or service meets another province’s standards.
- Some existing B.C. standards or certifications could be paused or replaced for interprovincial trade, unless the cabinet chooses to keep them.
- Government suppliers and contractors
- Public bodies may receive purchasing directives. These can set preferences, limits, or other rules on who they buy from, and they override other laws.
- Public entities that follow these directives are shielded from damages lawsuits (unless they act in bad faith).
Expenses#
No publicly available information.
Proponents' View#
- Gives B.C. quick, flexible tools to keep trade open and respond to harmful tariffs or barriers from other provinces.
- Cuts red tape by accepting goods and services that are already allowed elsewhere in Canada, which can lower costs and increase choice for consumers.
- Lets the province guide public purchasing to protect local jobs and supply chains during a trade dispute.
- Creates a fair, targeted way to raise or adjust tolls and fees if needed, rather than broad tax hikes.
- Protects public servants and agencies that follow government directives from costly lawsuits.
- Is temporary and includes public reporting and a legislative committee review, adding oversight.
Opponents' View#
- Gives the cabinet very broad power to override existing laws, bylaws, and independent regulators, which could weaken checks and balances.
- Allowing sales under another province’s standards could lower B.C.-specific safety, quality, or labelling protections.
- Purchasing directives could increase costs, reduce competition, or spark more trade disputes and legal challenges.
- New tolls or ferry fees could raise costs for drivers, commuters, and families, and enforcement by debt collection may feel heavy-handed.
- Expanded collection and sharing of personal information for tolls creates privacy risks.
- Retroactive directives and fast rule changes can create uncertainty for businesses and public bodies.