The Government of Canada plans to give the provinces more independence and autonomy on the world economic stage. It suggested this week that Ottawa is prepared to shift some traditionally federal economic power to the provincial governments; citing Quebec’s proposed labour mobility deal with France as an example.

“This is a big country and each province has different economic interests to be pursued internationally,” stated Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall. “I think recognizing that flexibility and supporting and using the strengths of the provinces, who understand their economies perhaps better than any federal government could … that’s just wise. It’s good policy and it’s good for the country.”

With this proposed power shift, the Government of Canada is recognizing that each province’s economy must be addressed through an autonomous approach, as labour shortages differ across the country .

The Government of Quebec has been working on a deal with the French Government to facilitate the flow of workers across borders by recognizing each others’ professional credentials. Alberta, as well, has been working on establishing its own trade missions abroad to attract foreign workers more easily to address its labour shortage. Saskatchewan hopes to establish trade missions in Asia in the coming months, and the four western provinces are planning a trade trip to some major U.S. cities.

Critics are concerned about such decentralization of power, noting that there would be danger of fracturing the relationship among the provinces. Individual agreements made between a province and another country should benefit Canada as a whole, and they urge Prime Minister Harper to take this into account, should the power shift occur.