ARCHIVED: Small Business and Red Tape Reduction
For the fifth year in a row, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business has given the Province an ‘A’ grade in recognition of its leadership to reduce red tape – the only province in Canada to receive top marks.
Over the last year the B.C. government has taken significant steps to reduce red tape and improve service delivery for small businesses and citizens:
- In July, the Province renewed its commitment to regulatory reform by creating the new Ministry of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction.
- In October, the Province created the new Red Tape Reduction Day to highlight its commitment to regulatory reform.
- In the fall, the Province held a public consultation on reducing red tape for British Columbians and received more than 280 ideas.
All of these accomplishments build on the B.C. government’s proven leadership to reduce red tape.
The provincial government received its ‘A’ grade during the Canadian Federation of Independent Business’s annual Red Tape Awareness Week. This national campaign raises public awareness about the burden of excessive regulations on small business and citizens and recognizes government’s efforts to cut red tape.
(flickr.com) Quotes:
Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction –
“For the fifth year in a row British Columbia is being recognized nationally for our strong leadership in reducing red tape. Whether it’s establishing programs like mobile business licenses or attracting new investment through Trade and Invest BC the Province is removing regulatory burdens, helping small businesses grow and supporting a diversified economy. Our work to reduce red tape has helped make our province a triple-A credit-rated jurisdiction and supported innovation and job growth in B.C. businesses.”
Laura Jones, executive vice-president of Canadian Federation of Independent Business –
“The B.C. government continues to lead the nation by being willing to hold itself accountable for reducing red tape. With new initiatives such as Red Tape Awareness Day and the public engagement on red tape B.C. shows it remains committed to reducing the regulatory impact on business and citizens.”
Lisa Will, CEO of Stonz Wear Incorporated –
“As a small business owner it’s great to know the provincial government is supporting our growth by working to get rid of unnecessary regulations and making it easier and simpler for us to access government services.”
Quick Facts:
- The B.C. government is a recognized leader in reducing red tape. British Columbia is the only province to receive five ‘A’ grades from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
- In the past 15 years, the Province has achieved a 43% total reduction in regulatory requirements totalling more than 155,000 requirements off the books.
- In 2015, the Province extended its cap on regulatory requirements until 2019.
- In 2015, the Province held a six-week online consultation on reducing red tape for British Columbians. More than 5,900 people visited the site and shared more than 280 ideas.
- The first Red Tape Reduction Day will be on March 2, 2016.
(flickr.com) Learn More:
Find out how the Province is taking action to reduce red tape: www.gov.bc.ca/helpcutredtape
Read about some of the ways the Province has already reduced red tape for small businesses and citizens: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/government/about-the-bc-government/regulatory-reform/pdfs/3563-regulatoryreform_factsheet_jan16.pdf
Achieving a Modern Regulatory Environment Fourth 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
