BIABC Media Releases
For Immediate Release
November 20, 2025
BIABC Welcomes National Mutual Recognition Agreement as a
Promising Step Toward Easier Interprovincial Trade
Vancouver, BC – The Business Improvement Areas of British Columbia (BIABC) is welcoming the Province of BC’s decision to sign the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement (CMRA), calling it a promising step toward reducing interprovincial trade barriers - while emphasizing that the real test will be turning this national commitment into measurable benefits for small businesses.
The agreement, signed by federal, provincial, and territorial governments, aims to ensure that if a good can be lawfully sold in one province, it can be sold across the country without additional approvals. The framework is set to take effect in December 2025.
“Small businesses have been clear: navigating different rules across provinces adds unnecessary cost and complexity,” said Jeremy Heighton, President of BIABC. “This agreement has the potential to meaningfully reduce red tape and open new markets for BC entrepreneurs. We’re optimistic about what this could mean - but it’s one thing to sign an agreement and another to deliver real results on the ground.”
Heighton noted that the CMRA could be especially valuable for local makers, manufacturers, and independent retailers who often lack the administrative resources larger companies take for granted.
“If implemented effectively, this could make it simpler for BC businesses to grow across Canada instead of relying so heavily on US markets,” he added. “We’re encouraged by the scale of this initiative, and we’ll be watching closely to ensure it lives up to its potential.”
BIABC emphasized that improved market access is only part of the solution. With rising costs, public safety concerns, and supply-chain pressures continuing to strain main street businesses, broader affordability and competitiveness measures remain essential.
“Trade barriers matter - but so does the cost of doing business here at home,” Heighton said. “For the CMRA to truly benefit small businesses, it needs to be paired with provincial actions that strengthen local supply chains and improve affordability.”
BIABC says it is prepared to work with the province to ensure small businesses are prioritized as this process moves from concept to reality.
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For any media enquiries, please contact:
Kelly Gleeson
kgleeson@lbmg.ca
604-240-6231
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