Canada’s premiers say they’ve come to an agreement with the federal government to reduce barriers to internal trade and labour mobility across the country.

The deal is to lessen the effects of recently imposed U-S tariffs on Canadian imports that will hurt the country’s economy.

In a joint statement, they say certified professionals with credentials in one jurisdiction should be able to work anywhere in Canada.

Internal trade ministers and labour market ministers across Canada have been directed to provide a plan for countrywide credential recognition by June 1st.

 

The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association, which represents three big automakers in North America, says it “welcomes” a one-month exemption on stiff new tariffs slapped on imports for automakers from Mexico and Canada.

However, the group’s president hopes it will be a path forward to “a permanent solution” that recognizes the integration of the North American market.

The exemption is for any vehicles coming in through the Canada-U-S-Mexico Agreement on trade.

U-S President Donald Trump spoke with leaders of the “Big Three” automakers, and asked if 30 days was enough for the auto sector to prepare for the new taxes.

 

Experts say Donald Trumps’ tariffs are driving up the price of gasoline and home heating fuel in Maine.

Patrick De Haan of GasBuddy says yesterday’s two cent rise at the pumps is likely just the beginning.

He’s forecasting that Mainers will likely see 20 cent price rises over the next few weeks.

However, he says in the long term, it could mean some U-S customers look for alternatives to Canadian energy suppliers.

 

The Canada Infrastructure Bank has completed a 217-million dollar financing deal for the construction of a new electricity transmission line between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.  The federal bank says the 160 kilometre, 345-kilovolt transmission line will run parallel to the existing line from Onslow, Nova Scotia, to Salisbury, New Brunswick.  The Nova Scotia project will be owned by a limited partnership between Nova Scotia Power and the infrastructure bank, and the New Brunswick section will be owned by New Brunswick Power.  Natural Resources Canada is also helping finance the project.

 

In sport,

 

In the Maritime Junior Hockey league, the Pictou County Weeks Crushers host Amherst tonight at 7:00pm.