Senator Wilson: Minister, this bill addresses federal barriers to interprovincial trade. However, given the myriad of provincial standards and other barriers within their jurisdictions, what is the government’s plan to ensure accountability and visibility around what barriers may still be left to be addressed as the spotlight around this issue inevitably fades? In particular, how does the government plan to ensure that no stone remains unturned when the focus has turned away?

Ms. Freeland: Excellent question, and it’s something I’m thinking about a lot. My principal answer is that I don’t want the spotlight to go away, and I don’t want the momentum to slow. I have been very clear that this legislation is important, but it is not the end of the process. The actions that the provinces and territories have been taking are important but not the end of the process. I hope that every single senator here will do as I intend to do and keep up the momentum to get rid of all the remaining barriers to trade and labour mobility.

This legislation is really about the federal government ensuring that we can be decent and hold our head up high when we are talking to provinces so that we can say to them, “Hey, we’ve done our part.” The vast majority of the barriers are between provinces. I see huge action and huge energy by provinces, but there is still work to be done.

Please pay careful note to the July 8 meeting of the Committee on Internal Trade — the responsible ministers — and let’s really push together to have further progress on trucking, housing and labour mobility.

Senator Wilson: Thank you. I have no further questions.