According to a release from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Trade and Export Development, the province is harmonizing its wide-base single tires program with Ontario.

The move comes as part of a recent commitment to improve trade between the two provinces.

The expanded and permanent harmonizing of the tire program will make shipments easier for trucking companies traveling between Saskatchewan and Ontario, and will curb greenhouse gas emissions.

The WBST program applies to all 12-month primary weight highways and allows permitted trucks to increase the weight on wide-based single tires 455 millimeters or wider, from 3,850 kg to 4,250 kg per tire.

Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said, "Our provinces are taking action to create a better trade environment in Canada that will result in real benefits to our key sectors and the people who do business in our provinces."

Lori Carr is the Highways and Infrastructure Minister. "With thousands of trucks transporting goods in and out of the province, an increase in fuel economy reduces both shipping costs and carbon emissions. This program shows that provinces can reduce internal barriers to trade and have a positive impact on the environment by working together."

Also noted in the release, regulations will be amended to allow trucks to use the tires without a permit. The New Generation Wide-base Tires are a single wide tire that replaces the traditional dual tires on commercial trucks.

"This announcement is one of several initiatives the provinces are working on to enhance internal trade between Saskatchewan and Ontario," Harrison said.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to improve internal trade within the country.