Municipalities, regional districts and First Nation governments throughout B.C. have 15 more business days to apply for the B.C. Small Business Roundtable’s 2016 Open for Business Awards.

The Province is taking steps to ensure all new or updated government laws and regulations consider the regulatory impact on citizens and small businesses, as part of its commitment to cut red tape and improve the way British Columbians interact with their government.

Applications are now being accepted for this year’s Open for Business Awards, which highlight the efforts of municipalities, regional districts and First Nations governments to grow small businesses in their communities and share their successes with others.

As part of the ongoing commitment to improve the way British Columbians access government services, the Province has already completed 40% of its commitments to cut red tape, following a public engagement last fall.

The British Columbia government is increasing the minimum wage in two stages to better reflect the province’s overall economic growth and ensure all workers benefit from B.C.’s success. 

Starting today, the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch will hold the first of six auctions for eligible grocery stores to bid on the opportunity to apply for a Special Wine Store licence to sell wine on shelves.

From the introduction of wine in grocery stores to liquor sales at artisan markets – the provincial government has continued improving convenience, flexibility and choice in liquor sales for consumers and small businesses over the past year.

As Victoria Beer Week gets underway, beer, wine, cider and mead hobbyists across British Columbia can now host competitions to showcase their creations.

March 2, 2016, marks the first-ever Red Tape Reduction Day in British Columbia. It is a day to reflect on some of the ways that we can make things easier through red tape reduction.

The Province is reducing unnecessary requirements and committing to more than 60 actions that will make it easier for British Columbians to access government services.