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Small and mid-sized businesses, often lauded as the “engine that drives the economy”, are finding themselves throttled by Canadian inter-provincial trade restrictions and onerous record-keeping requirements.

Canadian BusinessDespite the restrictions, nearly three quarters of Canadian small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) do business with partners in other provinces, and more are planning to expand to do so in the next few years.

The impact of these restrictions is particularly pronounced in the Western provinces. Saskatchewan, for example, has been consistently topping the growth statistics for the past few years, and its many emerging businesses are finding restrictions that inhibit their business when working across Provincial borders into the rest of the country.

At Sierra Courier, we were very interested in a recent UPS Canada survey that looked at the state of SMEs in Canada. Alongside provincial trade restrictions, the following concerns were listed as impediments to their success: high staffing costs, and lack of talent and skills in the workforce, particularly skilled trades people.

As a company that’s actively involved in the supply chain business (we not only transport goods, but also provide warehouse services to a diverse set of clients, most of which definitely qualify as SMEs), we applaud recent proposed changes to legislation, both at the Provincial and Federal levels, that are going to make it easier for businesses to work across borders. When these businesses grow, they’ll need partners who can assist with all areas of supply chain management. Sierra Courier, with our network of transportation and warehousing services, is prepared to be part of the solution.

As the red tape disappears, look for more companies, small and large, to look to Winnipeg as a strategic point in the supply chains of many small enterprises. Sierra Courier has the location, and the infrastructure, to provide unique advantages to businesses that recognize these advantages.