BC/Alberta Trade, Investment, and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) and the Environment

February 15, 2007
Ministry of Economic Development

VICTORIA – Questions have been raised about how the Province’s climate change action plan will coincide with the BC/Alberta Trade, Investment, and Labour Mobility Agreement. Here are the facts on TILMA and the environment:

• Article 6 of the agreement clearly states the government can pursue what are called “legitimate objectives” under TILMA. A “legitimate objective” is defined in Part VII as: protection of the environment; public security and safety; health and social services; conservation and prevention of waste of non-renewable or exhaustible resources.
• This means there is nothing in TILMA that would prevent either province from implementing a climate change action plan. There are also provisions regarding conservation measures.
• Even if Article 6 were not in the agreement, the only way that B.C. could be subject to a dispute under TILMA is if B.C. were to discriminate actively against Alberta-based companies or individuals. If there is no discrimination, there is no dispute.
• Part V of the agreement specifically states either province can set policy measures related to: promoting renewable and alternative energy; water; taxation; royalties; labour standards; occupational health and safety; procurement of health and social services; social policy, and Aboriginal policies and programs.
• This agreement will mean greater opportunities and prosperity for workers, consumers, investors and businesses in British Columbia.
• The TILMA is designed to address barriers to economic opportunities. It will create the second-largest economy in Canada – the combined GDP of B.C. and Alberta is 30 per cent larger than that of Quebec.
• The Conference Board of Canada found that, if fully implemented, the TILMA will add 4.8 per cent to real GDP and 78,000 jobs in B.C. alone.