The B.C. government has successfully achieved its target of net-zero new regulations in 2012, and will continue to maintain that target through 2015.

This and other updates are included in the Second Annual Report on Regulatory Reform, released today. The report provides public accountability for the Province's commitment to drive economic growth through the reduction of government red tape and regulatory burdens for citizens and businesses.

In 2013, a key priority will be to work collaboratively with the Ministry responsible for Core Review in order to streamline B.C.'s regulatory environment.

Highlights of the 2012 report include:

• The B.C. government has successfully reduced red tape by over 42 per cent since 2001.

• The Province has introduced improved child adoption information online. This regulatory change allows prospective parents wishing to adopt to find all the information they require in one convenient place, making it easier for them to connect with the children that need them.

• Qualified citizens, including low-income seniors and persons with disabilities, can now renew their subsidized bus passes more quickly and efficiently, as a result of internal efforts to streamline the process. This means some of B.C.'s most vulnerable citizens are spending less time on the phone and more time getting out and doing what they enjoy; helping them stay financially, mentally and physically healthy.

• A streamlined application and decision making process is now in place for the Provincial Nominee Program. Operational efficiency and client service has been improved by simplifying submission requirements, reducing processing bottlenecks, and informing planning for IT system upgrades. As a result, the program has reduced nearly 60 per cent of the steps previously required during business immigration and reduced the time it takes to inform clients of an application decision by an average of five business days.

• Moving forward, as a part of the B.C. Small Business Accord, the government is committing to establishing a 20-per-cent increase in small business procurement from government. Greater access to procurement opportunities for small business will mean economic growth and job creation for residents and families of British Columbia.

The overarching goal of the Province's regulatory reform initiative is to enhance the lives of all British Columbians by ensuring that every regulatory requirement in British Columbia is necessary, meaningful and serves a purpose. It also means getting rid of burdensome forms, simplifying complex processes and providing clearer information. By eliminating unnecessary red tape, the Province is minimizing the time and cost for citizens and businesses accessing government services. A streamlined regulatory environment attracts new investment, encourages economic growth and innovation and creates new jobs.

The full report is available to the public at: www.gov.bc.ca/regulatoryreform

Quotes:

Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business -

"Since 2001, our government has done an excellent job of reducing red tape and as a result, we have become a global leader in regulatory reform. In fact, jurisdictions including Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Australia, and Mexico have looked to us for advice and guidance. This year's report is a great sign of our success - but it doesn't show the full picture. I look forward to working collaboratively with Minister Bill Bennett on the cross-government Core Review in order to make British Columbia the best place in Canada to do business."

Laura Jones, executive vice-president, Canadian Federation of Independent Business -

"CFIB is pleased that the government of British Columbia has not only achieved net-zero new regulations, but that cutting red tape is central to B.C.'s mandate across all ministries. The B.C. government is leading the way in Canada when it comes to reducing red tape, and we give them high marks for continuing to make this a top priority."

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Minstry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799