Red Tape Reduction is about improving services for British Columbians and making it easier for people to interact with their government.

To celebrate the second annual Red Tape Reduction Day, the Province is highlighting the elimination of over 1,000 regulatory requirements and showcasing progress on more than 200 red-tape reduction initiatives.

The Province has proclaimed Feb. 20-24, 2017, Chamber of Commerce Week in recognition of the unwavering commitment of chambers of commerce and boards of trade throughout B.C. in supporting local businesses, boosting economic development and creating jobs.

Three new agreements involving eight local governments have been reached in the Kootenays, allowing small businesses to operate in multiple jurisdictions with a single business licence – cutting red tape while freeing up time and money.

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Minister Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch, has issued the following statement on the occasion of the 39th Vancouver International Wine Festival, which opens Feb. 11th, 2017:

The new Franchises Act and regulation taking effect ensure prospective business owners in British Columbia will have more information available to help them decide whether to open a franchised business.

As of November 2016, 35 craft distilleries and 19 commercial distilleries were operating in B.C.

For the sixth year in a row British Columbia is leading the pack when it comes to cutting red tape to make government programs and services easier to use.