Summary

This bill is called the "Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, 2025." It combines several laws to make trade and travel easier within Canada and support local buying. Key parts include setting a special day for buying in Ontario, changing rules for licensing professionals, allowing the sale of alcohol across provinces, and improving labor mobility for professionals. It also provides legal protections to government bodies involved in these activities.

What it means for you

• Each year, on the last Friday of June, Ontarians are encouraged to buy local through "Buy Ontario, Buy Canadian Day."
• People who work in regulated professions (like doctors or electricians) will face clearer, quicker approval processes if they are already certified in another province, which might mean finding a job faster.
• The bill allows alcohol companies to sell liquor directly from one province to consumers in another, making it easier to buy certain alcohol products.
• It establishes rules so that goods and services from other Canadian provinces are accepted as meeting Ontario standards, reducing delays and extra costs.
• The bill gives legal protections to government agencies and officials involved, limiting legal actions against them related to these activities.

Expenses

The bill's fiscal effects depend on how the new rules are implemented. The official fiscal notes do not specify exact costs or savings, meaning data is unavailable. The bill could lead to some administrative costs for setting up new frameworks or regulations but might also reduce costs associated with delays and legal disputes. Overall, the government has not estimated a precise total cost or savings.

Proponents' View

Supporters say the bill will boost Ontario’s economy by making it easier for businesses to trade with other provinces and territories. They argue that reducing trade barriers and speeding up licensing processes will create jobs and help local companies grow. Allowing direct sales of liquor across provinces will give consumers more choices. They also believe that legal protections will ensure government agencies can carry out these changes without fear of unnecessary legal action.

Opponents' View

People against the bill warn it might reduce some local protections. They worry that removing certain standards might hurt consumers or small businesses. Some argue that speeding up licensing could compromise quality or safety because criteria might be lowered. Critics also say that legal protections for government bodies could limit people's ability to challenge decisions or hold officials accountable if problems occur. Data on these concerns are based on potential risks, not confirmed outcomes.