RPA Canada welcomes the recent announcement by Internal Trade and Transport Minister Anita Anand, who emphasized the federal government’s commitment to accelerating the elimination of interprovincial trade barriers. This long-overdue initiative seeks to remove licensing restrictions on trades and professions that have historically hindered economic growth and professional and tradesperson mobility across Canada. The urgency of this issue has been amplified by the looming threat of tariffs from former U.S. President Donald Trump, which could further strain the Canadian economy.
The Persistent Challenge of Interprovincial Barriers
For decades, efforts to eliminate interprovincial trade and trades & profession licensing barriers have stagnated due to a persistent lack of political will across all parties. These barriers create inefficiencies that drive up costs for businesses and professionals, impede economic growth, and limit the free movement of skilled workers across provinces. The burden of these restrictions is felt most acutely by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which represent over 98% of Canadian businesses. Without a streamlined regulatory framework, SMEs struggle to access the expertise they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
One group of professionals particularly affected by these barriers is Registered Professional Accountants (RPAs). RPAs play a critical role in supporting SMEs, providing essential services in bookkeeping, accounting, taxation, and business advisory—functions that are fundamental to the success of any business. Operating outside the scope of provincial Public Accounting Acts, RPAs offer an accessible and practical alternative for SMEs seeking professional financial guidance. However, the absence of standardized recognition across provinces and unnecessary regulatory encroachments on services that are already outside of provincial licensing bodies severely limit their ability to practice freely. As a result, businesses across Canada face artificial barriers to accessing qualified professionals, hindering their ability to grow, compete, and navigate financial complexities.
Eliminating these outdated restrictions is not just a matter of regulatory reform—it is an economic imperative. By removing these barriers, Canada can unlock greater mobility for professionals, enhance the efficiency of business operations, and foster a more competitive and resilient SME sector.
A Call to Action for the Federal Government
The federal government must prioritize breaking down these barriers to support SMEs and strengthen Canada’s economic resilience. Minister Anand’s plan to accelerate the removal of interprovincial trade restrictions presents a historic opportunity to achieve what has been discussed for decades but never fully implemented. With bipartisan support emerging, even Official Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre has shifted his focus toward reducing provincial barriers as a critical strategy to address trade conflicts and economic uncertainty.
Despite previous agreements between provinces and the establishment of federal-provincial committees, many restrictions remain unresolved. The latest work plan lists dozens of unresolved items, highlighting the complexity of these negotiations. However, with the current momentum and the threat of external trade pressures, now is the time for decisive action.
The Role of The Society of Professional Accountants of Canada
The Society of Professional Accountants of Canada is eager to assist the federal government in streamlining regulations for the accounting profession at a national level, particularly in areas that fall outside the scope of Public Accounting licensing. By working collaboratively, we can establish a federally recognized framework that ensures accounting professionals, including RPAs, can serve SMEs effectively without unnecessary regulatory barriers.
The Road Ahead
To achieve meaningful progress, we urge:
1. A concrete timeline for the removal of barriers affecting professional mobility and trade across provinces.
2. Collaboration between federal and provincial governments to establish a standardized framework for trade and professional licensing.
3. Recognition of RPAs as key contributors to the SME sector, ensuring that accounting and financial advisory services are not restricted by provincial licensing laws.
4. Federal-level standardization of accounting profession regulations for services that do not fall under Public Accounting licensing, to promote consistency and accessibility for SMEs.
Minister Anand’s initiative represents a crucial step forward for Canada’s economic future. By eliminating internal trade barriers and streamlining professional regulations, we can create a more competitive business environment, foster growth, and protect our economy from external threats. The time for action is now—Canada’s SMEs, professionals, and industries cannot afford further delays.
