National Red Tape Report Card reveals mixed results: Saskatchewan improves to B- on regulatory reform

Regina, January 17, 2012 - As part of its third annual Red Tape Awareness Week^TM, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) released its annual Red Tape Report Card today. While Saskatchewan has made significant progress on red tape reform, the grades for some provinces show there is room to improve.

The report card evaluates federal and provincial governments' progress to date on regulatory reform. It looks at measurement, political leadership, constraints on regulators and a permanent commitment to report. "Without a commitment in these areas, red tape initiatives are doomed to fail," said Marilyn Braun-Pollon, vice president, Prairie and Agri-business.

British Columbia earns top marks for its leadership. In addition to measuring the red tape burden for a decade, it recently passed first-of-its-kind legislation requiring an annual report on regulation. "We've seen red tape initiatives come and go in other provinces as governments change or new priorities come along," added Braun-Pollon. "Making reforms permanent is the key to long-term success."

"For committing to legislate red tape accountability measures, public reporting and targets for red tape reduction in 2012, Saskatchewan deserves a B-, an improvement over their C+ they got in 2011," noted Braun-Pollon.

Several provinces and the federal government improved their grades over last year. Nova Scotia's grade took the biggest tumble, while Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and the Northwest Territories all received failing grades for making little or no progress.

CFIB's Red Tape Report Card: Mixed Results

"It's evident Saskatchewan recognizes the importance of reducing red tape on businesses by being the first province in the country to proclaim Red Tape Awareness Week^TM", concluded Braun-Pollon. "We look forward to working with the provincial government in the days ahead as Saskatchewan becomes the second province in Canada to introduce landmark legislation to commit to red tape accountability in 2012."

To arrange an interview with Marilyn Braun-Pollon, contact 306 757-0000, 1 888 234-2232 or via mssask@cfib.ca. What does 'Red Tape' mean to you? Check out CFIB's video on what it looks like to one small business owner in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan: http://cfib.ca/a3621e.  The table below displays the grades from 2011 and the new 2012 rankings.

Red Tape Awareness Week^TM, conducted annually, is trade-marked by the CFIB.

As Canada's largest association of small- and medium-sized businesses, CFIB is Powered by Entrepreneurs^TM. Established in 1971, CFIB takes direction from more than 108,000 members (5,250 in Saskatchewan) in every sector nationwide, giving independent business a strong and influential voice at all levels of government and helping to grow the economy.