Manitoba has been ranked Canada’s top-performing province for reducing internal trade barriers, earning an A rating and the highest overall standing in the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) 2026 Internal Trade Report Card.
The province was also recognized as a national leader in direct-to-consumer alcohol sales, receiving a perfect score in that category.
Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses said the ranking reflects Manitoba’s efforts to eliminate barriers that can restrict the movement of goods and services across the country. The CFIB report evaluates provinces on measures that support mutual recognition, reduce red tape and improve interprovincial trade.
The recognition follows a series of initiatives introduced by the Manitoba government over the past year. In June 2025, the province passed the Fair Trade in Canada (Internal Trade Mutual Recognition) Act, legislation designed to reduce barriers to the trade of goods and services between Manitoba and other Canadian jurisdictions.
Manitoba has also signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement with provinces and territories across the country, allowing many products approved in one jurisdiction to be sold in another without meeting additional provincial requirements. The province has further worked to address transportation challenges by signing a memorandum of understanding on trucking, aimed at reducing barriers that affect the movement of goods across Canada.
According to the CFIB, continued implementation of these measures will be important to ensure businesses and consumers realize the full benefits of improved interprovincial trade.
Provincial officials say the changes are intended to expand market access, encourage investment and create new opportunities for Manitoba businesses to compete across Canada.
