A groundbreaking trade agreement between British Columbia and Alberta kicks in April 1, with supporters predicting job growth and opponents warning that industry will challenge provincial laws.

The two provinces signed the Trade Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement, or TILMA, last year, saying it would break down the barriers for businesses and workers.

With the agreement taking effect in just two weeks, Alberta's Intergovernmental Relations Minister Guy Boutilier called it a "barrier-busting agreement" that will streamline trade regulations between Alberta and B.C., leading to economic growth.

"It's going to mean, I believe, more new jobs for British Columbia and Alberta," he said.

Among the changes that are part of the trade agreement: businesses won't face duplicate registration requirements; occupational standards for professionals like engineers and teachers will be harmonized; and government procurement will be more open to suppliers in both provinces.

Threat to public interest: opponent

Ellen Gould, who studied the agreement for the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, said it will give business and industry the ability to challenge laws that hurt business.

"What the agreement does is it says that any time a regulation costs business money you can sue governments for up to $5 million," she said.

"What they have done will have really, really drastic impacts on the ability of governments to govern in the public interest."

According to B.C.'s Ministry of Economic Development, businesses can't sue for damages, but a panel can levy fines of up to $5 million if it decides that a province has violated the agreement and doesn't "change its offending measure."

Gould is particularly worried that private health clinics will challenge restrictions on the services they are allowed to offer.

But Boutilier said the new deal won't affect health care regulations.

"TILMA does not force Alberta to change legislation to allow any private health clinics into Alberta that are not currently allowed."