A new trade era dawns today between Alberta and B.C., amid worries from Canada's largest citizens' group that erasing interprovincial trade barriers could strip local governments' powers.

The Council of Canadians said in a statement, the Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement contains provisions that could see private companies challenge and overturn municipal bylaws and regulations -- including Calgary's campaign to ban trans fat from city eateries.

Shawn Robbins, lead negotiator for Alberta Intergovernmental Relations, said the pact will expedite trade over a two-year transition process that will see the two provinces jointly recognize professional and trades certification, while businesses incorporated in one province will also be deemed incorporated in the other.

"A lot of what the Council of Canadians is saying is somewhat hypothetical or premature," said Robbins, adding the province has met three times with the group.

"TILMA was never intended to restrict the abilities of local governments to craft bylaws in the best interests of their jurisdictions -- right now, the agreement will not apply to our municipalities, schools and hospitals."

Municipalities are scheduled to meet with the province next month to consult on the pact.

Liberal Leader Kevin Taft, meanwhile, said he's concerned the agreement was signed without any debate in the legislature.

"When these things are done behind closed doors, the public has no say," he said.