Summary 

• 2026 Better Regulations for BC Annual Report highlights government actions to cut red tape and modernize regulations
• Faster project approvals, streamlined environmental reviews and expanded digital services are helping businesses and people get results quicker
• Actions to reduce barriers and advance interprovincial trade are improving competitiveness, lowering costs and supporting economic activity

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Government is making it easier for people and businesses to access services, get projects moving and find opportunities in a growing economy by streamlining processes and modernizing regulations, as outlined in the latest Better Regulations for British Columbians Annual Report.

Released annually, the report highlights government actions to reduce red tape, update outdated requirements and improve access to services throughout British Columbia. This year’s report shows how removing barriers and simplifying processes are helping workers, communities and businesses benefit from quicker approvals, improved services and greater economic opportunity. The report also denotes that ongoing, incremental regulatory improvements are reducing costs, supporting job creation and making it easier for people and businesses to get things done.

“When people and businesses need to navigate complex or outdated rules, it slows down growth, delays projects and creates frustration for workers and families,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “That’s why we’re streamlining approvals and modernizing services to make it easier to get things built, create good jobs and improve services people rely on. B.C. leads Canada in per-capita GDP growth since 2017 and through Look West, we’re building a stronger economy that works for people.”

Government remains focused on strengthening economic competitiveness by:

• accelerating approvals
• streamlining permitting
• reducing duplication
• making processes more predictable

These actions are helping projects move forward quicker, supporting jobs and investment in communities throughout B.C., while maintaining strong protections for people, health and the environment.

Quicker approvals, stronger economy

Key actions highlighted in the report include advancing interprovincial trade through the Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement and B.C.’s Trade Recognition Act. These actions make it easier for goods and services approved in other provinces to be sold and used in B.C., while helping B.C. businesses access markets across Canada.

Other highlights include:

• streamlined environmental reviews and faster project approvals
• reduced administrative requirements, such as liquor-licensing changes and eliminating unnecessary sick notes
• expanded digital services, such as virtual court counters and faster digital Foodsafe certification
• continued work to remove duplication and barriers that slow business activity

These changes are helping lower costs, improve productivity and enable faster economic activity.

Partnering with businesses to remove barriers

This work is supported by the Province’s Ease of Doing Business initiative, which invites businesses to identify challenges and propose practical solutions. This feedback is helping government take action faster and focus on changes that have the greatest effect.

By reducing unnecessary regulatory burden and making rules clearer and more predictable, the Province is improving business confidence and helping advance housing, infrastructure and resource-development projects throughout B.C.

The annual report demonstrates that B.C. can reduce red tape, while growing the economy and improving services for people. This work aligns with the Province’s Look West strategy to position B.C. as Canada’s economic engine. Through this approach, government is supporting major nation-building projects, creating good-paying jobs and skills-training opportunities, and growing key sectors that are driving long-term economic growth.

Learn More: 

• To read the 2026 Better Regulations for BC Annual Report, visit:
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/about-the-bc-government/regulatory-reform/annual-report
• For more information about Better Regulations for British Columbians, visit:
  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/about-the-bc-government/regulatory-reform