The Government of British Columbia has proclaimed the week of Jan. 16 to 20, 2012, as Red Tape Awareness Week, Finance Minister Kevin Falcon announced.

The provincial week is held in conjunction with a national campaign organized by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

The proclamation confirms the B.C. government's commitment to ongoing regulatory improvement that will make it easier for businesses to do business while protecting public health, safety and the environment.

B.C. is the only jurisdiction in Canada to enact regulatory reform legislation and regulations. Since 2001, the Province has reduced regulatory requirements by more than 42 per cent.

Under the Regulatory Reporting Act, enacted in November 2011, the Province is required to publish annual reports on its regulatory reform progress no later than June of each year. This legislation ensures government meets high standards of accountability and keeps the British Columbia at the leading edge of regulatory reform.

B.C.'s continuing leadership in regulatory reform has been widely recognized, including high marks from the CFIB, which unveiled its annual provincial report card today.

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, B.C. has reduced regulatory requirements by more than 42 per cent.
• Number of regulatory requirements in 2001: 360,295.
• Number of regulatory requirements today: 206,001. 
• This exceeds the Province's original target of reducing regulatory requirements by 33 per cent.

Media Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Finance
250 356-9872

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect