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Once Ottawa moves forward with legalization, the Canada Free Trade Agreement will offer a transparent mechanism to help provinces and territories discuss standards that will include “making sure that there’s more choice and better price points,” said Bains.

“It’s really about … having an open market,” he said in an interview Wednesday. “It’s all about, again, eliminating any red tape that may exist.”

When it comes to pot legalization, Bains said, the government’s overarching objectives remain protecting young Canadians and getting money out of the hands of criminals.

The reference to marijuana is tucked into an internal-trade deal that is expected to ease regulations across provinces, open up billions in new procurement opportunities and set stiffer enforcement rules for non-compliance.

It’s due to come into effect July 1 to coincide with Canada’s 150th birthday.

Governments in Canada expect the deal to create jobs and boost domestic trade, which already accounts for $385 billion in annual activity and makes up 20 per cent of Canada’s gross domestic product.

“We recognize that we need to all come together, all hands on deck, in order to strengthen our economic outlook going forward,” Bains said of a deal he believes will also help Canada in its international talks on trade and in attracting foreign investment.

The agreement is drawn up in such a way that it allows for the inclusion of new sectors, such as recreational marijuana.