Alberta: $476 million saved by cutting red tape
The Voice of Canada News:
The first annual report on red tape reduction highlights key initiatives that have eased the regulatory burden in Alberta, saving Albertans more than $476 million
The Voice of Canada News:
Alberta’s government tabled the first annual red tape reduction report which highlights progress made towards the goal of cutting red tape by one-third. Between May 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020, Alberta’s government cut more than six per cent of red tape, saving job creators both time and money.
“Alberta’s government has made great strides in our first year of red tape reduction. We’re moving quickly to becoming the freest, fastest moving economy in North America … but we’re not done yet. Now, more than ever, it is critical we get out of the way of our job creators so they can do what they do best – create jobs and grow the economy.”Grant Hunter, Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction
The report includes a definition of the baseline count, a measure of all the regulations, forms, statutes, and policies that exist within all departments, agencies, boards and commissions. In total, Alberta’s government has counted 670,977 requirements.
“Earlier this year the CFIB recognized the Alberta government’s quick action to reduce red tape with a B- on our annual Red Tape Report Card. The Report Card also acknowledged the government had not developed its comprehensive measure of the regulatory burden in Alberta. We are pleased to see the government correct that by counting its regulatory burden and making that count public.”Laura Jones, vice-president, Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Ongoing red tape reduction efforts are being driven by advice from key leaders in Alberta through panels including small business, oil and gas, and tourism and hospitality.
Quick facts
- The first annual report on red tape reduction highlights the red tape burden that Albertans have to deal with which is expressed by the baseline count.
- The Alberta government has a baseline count of almost 671,000 regulatory requirements with a goal to reduce these requirements by more than one-third by spring 2023.
- Alberta performed three times better when compared to other jurisdictions such as British Columbia and Manitoba in their first year of red tape reduction efforts.
- Key panels include:
- Small Business
- Oil and Gas
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Chemical Manufacturing
- Forestry
- Agriculture, Agri-food and Bio-industrial
- Non-profit
- Construction
