Red Tape Report Card: Newfoundland and Labrador scores 'B'; 2nd best in Canada
St. John's, January 17, 2012 - As part of its third annual Red Tape Awareness Week, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) released its annual Red Tape Report Card today. Newfoundland and Labrador's grade of "B" was not only the highest in Atlantic Canada, but was second-highest in the country, following only British Columbia, which received an "A".
The report card evaluates federal and provincial governments' progress to date on regulatory reform. It looks at measurement of red tape, political leadership, constraints on regulators, and a permanent commitment to report the regulatory burden. "Without a commitment in these areas, red tape initiatives are doomed to fail," said Bradley George, director of provincial affairs.
Red Tape Report Card: mixed results
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has been a leader in red tape reduction, successfully meeting its four-year commitment to reduce the regulatory burden by 25 per cent.
"We were very pleased when the provincial government announced its commitment to no net growth in red tape," said George. "However, because governments and their priorities change, it is important commitments to report the regulatory burden be legislated. British Columbia passed legislation in 2011 and our government should quickly follow that example."
In addition to legislating annual reporting of the regulatory burden, George is hopeful the provincial government will continue to work with CFIB to eliminate irritants to small business owners. "Cutting red tape is one of the best, low-cost stimulus measures governments can take."
The table below displays the grades from 2011 and the new 2012 rankings.
For further information contact Judy Hindy at 753-7745, or Bradley George at 709-728-5412.
As Canada's largest association of small- and medium-sized businesses, CFIB is Powered by EntrepreneursTM. Established in 1971, CFIB takes direction from more than 108,000 members in every sector nationwide, giving independent business a strong and influential voice at all levels of government and helping to grow the economy.
