These are the main products purchased by MASH entities. The question should be turned around. Why would businesses locate in Saskatchewan if they have access to a market of only one million people, and no access to markets outside Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan is a competitive place in which to locate a business. Having greater access to a larger market in which to sell goods and services will only make Saskatchewan a more attractive place to locate a business.
Trade barriers are costly to the economy.
Any form of local preference is a trade barrier. Anything that hinders free and open trade between jurisdictions. Giving a preference to a local supplier creates barriers because it denies suppliers from other jurisdictions the ability to compete fairly for a procurement opportunity. The only administrative change facing MASH entities is that they will be required to use a national electronic tendering system in their procurement practices and to allow all Canadian suppliers equal opportunity to bid on contracts covered by the agreement. Other provinces indicate similar experiences.