The Government of Yukon is removing five Party-Specific Exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) and continuing to review others for removal. The CFTA is a comprehensive, consensus-based internal trade agreement that applies broadly across the economy, except in areas where specific exclusions apply. These exclusions, known as Party-Specific Exceptions, limit the agreement’s application and maintain certain barriers to interprovincial trade.
These five exceptions chosen for removal include limitations on procurement, real estate licensing, forestry, fisheries and agricultural land use. They have been identified as being the least complex to remove and with the lowest impact to Yukoners. Removing these trade barriers will help strengthen the territory’s position as a domestic trade partner within Canada. The Government of Yukon is committed to supporting the united Team Canada approach to pursuing a single, strong Canadian economy.
This action is part of a larger initiative involving federal, provincial and territorial partners working to support more open internal trade between jurisdictions. The removal of exceptions is being pursued collectively by all Canadian jurisdictions and will contribute to improved market access for all Canadian businesses, including Yukon businesses. The goal is for Yukon businesses to have stronger access to markets, investors and opportunities across Canada so they can thrive amidst global economic uncertainty.
Our government supports a strong Team Canada approach to creating economic opportunity here in the territory and across the country. As we work to cut red tape and reduce barriers to internal trade, we will continue to advocate and prioritize the Yukon as a unique northern jurisdiction with specific economic, climate and infrastructure considerations.
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The Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) is a comprehensive, consensus-based internal trade agreement overseen by federal, provincial and territorial Committee on Internal Trade (CIT) Ministers from all Parties. The Agreement establishes rules that apply broadly across the economy, except in areas where specific exclusions apply.
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Prior to these removals, the Yukon retained 29 exceptions under the CFTA, the highest overall number amongst all parties.
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Internal trade within Canada accounts for 18 per cent of Canada’s GDP, with over $530 billion worth of goods moving across our domestic borders each year.
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The Prime Minister aims to eliminate all federal barriers to interprovincial trade and labour mobility and to remove all federal exemptions under the Canada Free Trade Agreement to create one single Canadian economy.
The following five exceptions to the Canadian Free Trade Agreement are being removed so they are no longer in effect as of July 8, 2025:
YT-520.1, Part B, Article 1: “Business Incentive Policy”
Description: This procurement exception protects the Yukon’s ability to preserve a preference for Yukon businesses in its procurement policy below Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) thresholds.
YT-I-02: “Real estate agent residency requirement”
Description: This exception allows for the Yukon to impose a residency requirement, requiring that real estate agent applicants must be a resident of the Yukon for a period of not less than three months immediately prior to the application date.
YT-II-06: “Fisheries: limiting market access”
Description: Under this exception, the Yukon reserves the right to adopt or maintain any measure limiting market access in fisheries.
YT-II-04: “Forestry”
Description: This exception limits market access in activities related to Yukon forestry (excluding forestry processing) and logging products.
YT-II-05: “Forestry and Agriculture”
Description: This exception allows the Yukon to limit other jurisdictions’ market access in agricultural land, forest resources and grazing agreements.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]
Linnea Blum
Communications, Economic Development
867-332-2625
[email protected]