Matt Bufton speaks with Ryan Manucha about interprovincial trade in Canada, focusing on the legal and economic barriers that hinder free trade between provinces. They discuss Ryan’s book Booze, Cigarettes, and Constitutional Dust-Ups, examining how constitutional law, historical disputes, and political inertia have shaped Canada’s fragmented trade landscape. The conversation explores key legal cases, the role of the Supreme Court, and potential reforms that could enhance economic cooperation across the country.

References

Booze, Cigarettes, and Constitutional Dust-Ups: Canada's Quest for Interprovincial Free Trade by Ryan Manucha

Gold Seal Ltd. v. Alberta (Attorney-General) (1921) – Key legal case on interprovincial trade barriers

R. v. Comeau (2018) – Supreme Court decision on cross-border alcohol sales

Interprovincial Trade Barriers in Canada: Options for Moving Forward by Alvarez et al.

Provincial Red Tape Report Card by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)

Internal Trade in Canada: Case for Liberalization by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

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