In June 2025, Canada officially passed the One Canadian Economy Act—a sweeping federal initiative aimed at eliminating internal trade barriers and accelerating nationwide infrastructure development. While the act has implications across sectors, it’s especially significant for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that rely on equipment, vehicles, and cross-border operations to thrive.
From Abbotsford’s construction businesses to Edmonton’s transport operators, this legislation signals a new chapter of financing opportunity—one that aligns closely with national growth, regional competitiveness, and real-world asset demand.
In this blog, we explore how this new law is transforming the financing landscape for Canadian SMEs, the role of equipment and vehicle leasing in this transformation, and how firms like Sandhu & Sran Leasing & Financing are positioned to help local businesses take advantage of the momentum.
What Is the One Canadian Economy Act?
The One Canadian Economy Act (Bill C-5) is a landmark piece of legislation that aims to:
- Remove interprovincial trade barriers—allowing goods, services, and equipment to move more freely across provincial borders.
- Standardize certifications and regulations to make procurement and equipment transport more seamless.
- Unleash infrastructure development by reducing red tape on cross-border capital projects, including transit, utilities, highways, and energy systems.
The goal is to create a unified internal market that enhances productivity, cuts costs, and accelerates growth across provinces. For SMEs, this creates not just logistical advantages—but major financing opportunities in 2025 and beyond.
Why This Matters to SMEs in BC and Alberta
SMEs are the backbone of Canada’s economy, and nowhere is that more evident than in British Columbia and Alberta—regions with dynamic sectors like agriculture, transportation, construction, and energy.
But these sectors often rely on heavy-duty equipment and commercial vehicles that must be leased, financed, and deployed across multiple provinces. Until now, regulatory patchwork and cost inefficiencies made interprovincial scaling difficult.
Under the new act:
- Equipment can be leased and used more easily across borders without needing different provincial certifications.
- Fleet vehicles can be standardized for operations in BC, Alberta, and beyond—streamlining insurance and compliance.
- National infrastructure contracts—whether federal or PPP-based—will require local SME partners, creating a surge in demand for equipment financing, truck loans, and commercial leasing.
How This Affects Equipment Financing in 2025
With this legislative change, businesses are increasingly looking to finance equipment that:
- Can serve multi-provincial projects (e.g., pipeline repair, transportation upgrades, urban construction).
- Meets upcoming federal or provincial standards in mobility, emissions, and efficiency.
- Can be acquired quickly and cost-effectively without upfront capital drain.
As such, leasing models are becoming the preferred solution over outright purchases—particularly for small and mid-sized operators.
Whether it’s excavators for highway expansion in BC or refrigerated trailers for food logistics in Alberta, SMEs are leveraging fast approval equipment leasing as a growth enabler.
National Infrastructure Boom = Local Financing Surge
The Canadian Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has already committed over $10 billion for priority projects that align with this new act. These include:
- Trans-provincial rail system upgrades.
- Renewable energy grid installations.
- Road and freight route improvements across BC and Alberta.
Most of these projects will depend on subcontractors, mid-tier construction companies, and regional haulers—driving financing demand for everything from semi-trucks to trenchers and tower cranes.
As SMEs secure these project roles, they’ll require flexible financing that matches the project duration, asset wear cycles, and cash flow realities.
The Shift Toward Multi-Asset Leasing Strategies
Another shift emerging from the act is the growth of multi-asset leasing, where SMEs bundle financing for a range of equipment types under one lease or credit umbrella. This includes:
- Vehicles + trailers.
- Construction equipment + telematics software.
- Generators + power tools.
This structure simplifies operations, reduces per-asset costs, and improves approval timelines—especially critical for SMEs scaling under tight procurement windows.
Learn more in our blog on multi-asset leasing strategies in 2025.
Sandhu & Sran’s Role in This New Financing Landscape
As a trusted partner for SMEs across BC and Alberta, Sandhu & Sran Leasing & Financing has been at the forefront of helping businesses navigate policy shifts and funding transitions. Our deep local knowledge and ability to tailor leasing packages means we’re uniquely positioned to help businesses:
- Align with federal infrastructure programs.
- Secure fast-tracked truck and trailer financing.
- Avoid upfront capital burdens through leaseback and flexible terms.
- Tap into newer equipment types that meet future-ready standards.
We also support rural and regional SMEs who may lack access to major banking institutions but still require critical assets to compete in larger project ecosystems.
What’s Next?
As the One Canadian Economy Act enters its rollout phase, expect to see procurement platforms centralizing, bid opportunities expanding across provincial lines, and capital equipment needs rising sharply.
The SMEs that act early—by securing flexible, scalable financing—will be best positioned to win contracts, scale sustainably, and contribute to Canada’s next generation of growth.
How SMEs Can Strategically Respond to 2025’s Policy Changes
Canada’s economic future is increasingly being shaped by policy frameworks that prioritize productivity, sustainability, and cross-provincial collaboration. With the One Canadian Economy Act unlocking large-scale procurement and infrastructure pathways, SMEs must evolve how they approach equipment and commercial vehicle financing.
Instead of thinking in terms of one-off purchases or local projects, forward-thinking businesses are beginning to:
- Build leasing into their bid strategy for infrastructure and PPP contracts.
- Consolidate assets under broader lease programs that reduce administrative overhead.
- Use leasebacks and refinancing to inject liquidity while keeping operational control.
For example, a construction firm in Surrey bidding on a federal highway extension may now need equipment that’s compliant with both Alberta and BC standards. In this scenario, flexible lease agreements—customized to project timelines—can offer competitive advantage and cost control.
Regional Case Examples: How BC and Alberta SMEs Are Moving Ahead
1. Agribusiness in Fraser Valley
With improved trade flow between BC and Alberta under the new act, local farm operators are scaling cross-provincial produce logistics. Leasing refrigerated trailers and utility trucks now makes more sense than owning—especially with federal clean transport incentives active in 2025.
2. Construction SMEs in Greater Edmonton
Smaller contractors are collaborating on CIB-funded road upgrades, sharing leased heavy equipment like graders, diggers, and compactors. Through multi-party leasing, they avoid full asset risk while maintaining project eligibility.
3. Transportation Companies in Abbotsford
Transporters impacted by rising interest rates and fuel costs are now pivoting to lease-based fleet upgrades—aided by new interprovincial route clarity and reduced paperwork for licensing and use.
Making the Most of Policy-Driven Financing in 2025
If your business is looking to grow, secure contracts, or streamline operations this year, now is the time to:
- Evaluate your existing equipment and capital structure.
- Explore sale-leaseback options to improve cash flow.
- Bundle multiple assets under a single financing solution using our commercial leasing services.
- Apply early for pre-approval to stay ahead of federal RFP timelines.
With decades of experience in equipment financing, truck loans, and regional business trends, Sandhu & Sran is here to guide you from planning to deployment.
FAQs: SME Financing and the One Canadian Economy Act
Q1: Does this new act affect all equipment sectors?
Yes. The Act’s regulatory streamlining affects construction, transportation, agriculture, logistics, and utilities—allowing for broader leasing and use of machinery across borders.
Q2: What types of equipment are SMEs financing more in 2025?
There’s increased demand for multi-use equipment like loaders, haulers, refrigerated trailers, and EV-compatible trucks. Learn more in our blog on equipment leasing trends.
Q3: Is leasing better than buying in this policy environment?
For many SMEs, yes. Leasing preserves capital, offers tax benefits, and provides the flexibility to adapt to cross-provincial project needs—especially with low-down-payment solutions available.
Q4: Can we finance both equipment and vehicles under the same agreement?
Yes, this is known as multi-asset leasing. It simplifies operations and helps SMEs qualify faster—especially under tight credit conditions.
Q5: How do we start the leasing process?
Begin by contacting our team via our Contact Us page for a consultation. We offer free assessments, fast approvals, and tailored financing based on your sector and upcoming opportunities.
Final Thought:
The One Canadian Economy Act is more than just policy—it’s an open invitation for SMEs to scale, compete, and contribute to Canada’s long-term prosperity. With strategic financing and the right leasing partner, your business can be part of that growth story in 2025.