Capitale Connecte

CAPITAL CONNECTE: Break down barriers, build bridges

The threat of tariffs is forcing Canadian business people and decision-makers to develop strategies to facilitate interprovincial trade. The Prime ministers of Canada, Ontario and Quebec have clearly expressed their desire to act in this direction. To achieve this, it is important to establish a dialogue and identify the irritants as well as possible solutions.

This is why the Regroupement des gens d’affaires de la capitale nationale (RGA) will be hosting Capitale Connecte, the most important interprovincial discussion forum on this issue. Held on April 8, 2025, the event will bring together the various economic and political actors in the region in order to open discussions and identify possible solutions.

The day will be marked by conferences, panels and workshops addressing themes:

Mobility of Healthcare Workers
Currently, there are several barriers to the mobility of healthcare workers between Quebec and Ontario: some accreditations are not recognized by the other province. There is also a significant wage gap on both sides of the river. Would removing these barriers risk triggering a talent exodus to Ontario, leaving the Quebec system with a shortage of staff? Are there practical ways to encourage exchanges?

Agriculture and Supply Management
Do the different standards between provincial slaughterhouses, transportation regulations, and supply management that protects dairy, poultry, and egg producers hinder interprovincial trade, or are these necessary measures to ensure the viability of Canada's agri-food industry?

Mobility of Construction Workers
It takes an average of less than 90 days for a Quebec worker to access the Ontario job market. However, the rules in Quebec prevent Ontario workers from accessing Quebec worksites, at least not without undergoing long academic training. Do the quality standards of both provinces differ that much? Is there an interest in facilitating worker mobility between provinces?

Target clientele:

- Entrepreneurs

- Managers, public services/institutions

- Governments representatives

The goal is to lay the foundations for a dialogue leading to greater fluidity of interprovincial exchanges, and to promote networking between entities that are not usually in contact. At the end of the day, the objective would be to be able to lay down the very first roadmap establishing the steps that will lead to interprovincial exchanges that will stimulate the economies of both provinces.

The creation of Capitale Connecte is therefore part of the mandate of the RGA, which is to promote local businesses and encourage the establishment of economic bridges between the two provinces.