Honourable senators, I rise today as we approach another festive season to share a feel-good Canadian story of optimism, unity and opportunity — one that will impact our economy, especially our small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Last week, federal, provincial and territorial ministers signed the long-awaited Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement on the Sale of Goods, or CMRA. With Bill C-5, the CMRA is part of a broader strategy to modernize Canada’s internal trade regime.

For too long, our entrepreneurs have faced unnecessary red tape, navigating multiple regulatory regimes and duplicating tests, certifications and paperwork just to sell a product across provincial borders. The CMRA changes that.

Under this agreement, a good lawfully sold in one jurisdiction may now be sold across Canada without further requirements unless explicitly listed as an exception.

Although some stakeholders wish it went further, I believe Canada is on the right track to “tear down these walls,” as our Banking Committee urged a decade ago.

This reform is vital for small- and medium-sized enterprises, or SMEs, which often lack the capacity to absorb unnecessary regulatory burdens. By lowering compliance costs and removing duplicative barriers, small businesses can now access a truly national market, scale smarter and reinvest in growth and innovation.

Our Banking Committee will soon examine how SMEs can access the capital they need to fully leverage this barrier-free interprovincial trade agreement so they can invest, scale and compete like never before.

At a time when trade tensions with the United States are real and pressing, this agreement marks an important step toward reducing our reliance on external markets, strengthening internal trade and building resilience. For consumers, the benefits are clear: more choices and better prices.

This agreement is long overdue. It is a perfect gift for our economy, arriving just in time for the holiday season. As Canadians shop in the coming weeks, let us commit to supporting our local makers, producers and sellers. By choosing Canadian, we can spark joy in our communities and affirm the value of our homegrown entrepreneurs.

Honourable Senators, the CMRA embodies a spirit of collaboration, nation building and shared prosperity. It’s a win for business, for consumers and for Canadians from coast to coast to coast. I urge all of us to encourage our family, friends and neighbours to buy Canadian-made this Christmas, to invest in our collective future and strengthen our domestic economy.

Thank you, meegwetch.