Office of the Premier
British Columbians are invited to share their ideas to streamline how they use or access the government services they depend upon through a new engagement website launched today by Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Coralee Oakes.
Over the next six weeks the Province is inviting all British Columbians to share their experience and their suggestions for simple fixes to help make government services easier to access and simpler to use. All suggestions will be considered with the goal of affordable service improvement and may lead to changes in government policies, programs, and regulations.
Simply by commenting on the blog or tweeting using the hashtag #helpcutredtape citizens can suggest real changes to the way government services are delivered. It could be as simple as moving a payment online – like the Province did with fishing licenses – that allows families to spend less time filling out forms and more time together. Or it could involve changes to accessing information – like the MySelfServe online tool – that makes it easier for citizens to access their personal income assistance and disability assistance information.
The Reducing Red Tape for British Columbians engagement website is live until Dec. 3, 2015.
(flickr.com) Quotes:
Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction –
“British Columbians are the experts when it comes to using government services. For example, we heard that the process for special occasion licenses was too convoluted – so we simplified it. Now it’s only 15 minutes online to get a license for your wedding or next art opening. I’m looking for these kinds of ideas that save people time and frustration. I want to hear your bright ideas to make government services easier to access and simpler to use.”
Anna Piloyan, owner of Deco De Mode Nail and Beauty Salon –
“As the owner of a beauty salon, I often get groups of women who want to enjoy a glass of wine during their private spa party. Before government moved special occasion licences online, my clients would have to go to a lot of trouble to get their licence – and honestly, many of them gave up because it was so much work. Now, I have a link to the online application right on my website and my clients can apply for the licence with a few clicks. My customers can have their dream spa party without all of the hassle. I’m definitely supportive of more changes that make it easier for people to understand and use government services.”
Trevor Tuckwell, Victoria-based single parent –
“I was impressed that the Province reached out to me, a single parent, to find out where I was experiencing difficulties with the child care subsidy application process. They really listened to my concerns and I appreciate the chance to have my ideas help improve the application process. I support the Province’s commitment to making more improvements to service delivery this way – by having citizens directly involved.”
(flickr.com) Quick Facts:
- British Columbia is a recognized leader in cutting red tape. For four years in a row, B.C. has received an “A” for its red tape reduction efforts – the only province in Canada to receive an “A”.
- In the past 14 years, the Province has achieved a 43% total reduction in regulatory requirements – totalling more than 155,000 requirements off the books.
- Since 2006, the Province has completed more than 200 streamlining initiatives to reduce the time and cost for businesses looking to access government services – with many more underway.
- In 2015 the Province extended its cap on regulatory requirements until 2019.
Learn More:
Join the conversation: www.gov.bc.ca/helpcutredtape |#helpcutredtape
Read about some of the ways the B.C. government has reduced red tape and improved service delivery for citizens: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/government/about-the-bc-government/regulatory-reform/pdfs/rrtbc_regreform_handout_oct2015.pdf
Red Tape Reduction in B.C.: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/about-the-bc-government/regulatory-reform/red-tape-reduction
Achieving a Modern Regulatory Environment – 4th Annual Report: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/government/about-the-bc-government/regulatory-reform/pdfs/regulatory_reform_annual_report_201415_for_web.pdf
