Golden Scissors Awards
Each year, CFIB’s prestigious Golden Scissors Award recognizes individuals or teams who have successfully motivated others to take action or produced meaningful, positive results in cutting red tape. In 2026, the Golden Scissors Awards goes to the Government of Alberta for speeding up permit approvals for small businesses and everyday Albertans. CFIB is also recognizing some promising efforts with an honourable mention and three “Ones to Watch” Awards.
2025 Honourable Mentions and "Ones to Watch" Awards
The Government of Alberta's Automatic Yes Policy
Awarded to: The Government of Alberta
Recipient: Hon. Dale Nally, Ministry of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
An ‘Automatic Yes’ in reducing red tape!
The Government of Alberta earns this year’s Golden Scissors Award for its innovative Automatic Yes Toolkit, a major step forward in reducing red tape and improving permit and application approval times across government. Introduced as part of Alberta's Red Tape Reduction strategy, the Toolkit applies to low- and medium-risk permits and routine activities, allowing the government to focus on more complex applications.
The Toolkit combines three approaches: Code of Practice, Permit by Rule, and Shot Clock. It aims to reduce delays and simplify processes without compromising safety or oversight. Both the Code of Practice and Permit by Rule allow activities to proceed without a permit, as long as applicants follow defined rules and requirements. In the case of Permit by Rule, applicants must register their activities with the government and provide additional documentation. The Shot Clock sets firm deadlines for the government to provide a decision and requires communication to the applicant of either the application’s approval or the rationale for its rejection.
Before this policy, something as simple as getting a permit to cut down a Christmas tree could involve long waits, leaving families frustrated during the holiday season. Alberta Parks utilizes an approach in alignment with the Automatic Yes Policy for a number of permits, including those for tree cutting, through its online portal. Albertans simply identify which park they wish to cut trees in, the number of trees they plan to harvest, and the purpose for which they are harvesting trees. The portal’s ability to consolidate access to permits and standardize the approach has helped to support automatic approval in some permit types, and quicker approvals in others. In 2024, 1,251 Albertans benefited from receiving an Alberta Parks Tree Cutting Permit.
The Automatic Yes approach is also making a difference for Alberta’s energy sector. The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has embraced this principle through its risk-based automation system and digital platform, One Stop. Handling an average of 40,000 applications annually under multiple provincial enactments, the AER is able to provide a decision on over 80% of low-risk applications without staff intervention. One Stop assesses risk based on legislation and regulations, ensuring that simple, low-risk applications move forward immediately, while higher-risk applications receive focused review by AER staff. This system acts as a “shot clock,” flagging any applications that exceed benchmark timelines for immediate attention, which keeps projects on track and applicants informed. This approach not only accelerates energy development projects but also ensures regulatory resources are concentrated where they matter most—on higher-risk activities.
Alberta’s ongoing work to improve permit review processes and decision times, including Automatic Yes Toolkit is delivering measurable results. To date, these tools have already improved decision times for 25% of provincial permits, some by as much as 30 days, and 68% of permits are now aligned with Automatic Yes principles. By embedding accountability and efficiency into regulatory processes, Alberta has set a new benchmark for modern governance—one that other jurisdictions can look to as a model for cutting red tape without compromising safety or oversight.
Background information:
- Automatic Yes Toolkit: https://www.alberta.ca/automatic-yes-toolkit
- Alberta government news release: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=92697D2B459C6-B508-5537-5CB224B5D80B6875
2026 Honourable Mention and "Ones to Watch"
Awarded to: The City of Winnipeg Mayor and City Council
Recipients: City of Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham and City Council
From paperwork to faster permits
Winnipeg has implemented a comprehensive modernization of its permitting and development systems to eliminate red tape and accelerate housing and business growth. This transformation focuses on digital innovation, regulatory flexibility, and streamlined processes that deliver measurable benefits for residents, entrepreneurs, and the broader economy.
At the core of these reforms is “Permits Online,” a one-stop digital platform that consolidates applications, tracking, and payments. By replacing paper forms and in-person visits, the system significantly reduces timelines for renovations, signage, and business retrofits. Complementing this, a free online patio registration process now delivers approvals within days rather than weeks, delivering certainty to restaurants quickly and earning Winnipeg national recognition for its forward-thinking approach.
The City has introduced more than 35 permit exemptions for common projects such as garages, pergolas, solar installations, and accessibility ramps. These changes save residents weeks of waiting and allow builders to maintain productivity without unnecessary delays. Modernized zoning bylaws further support housing affordability and urban density by reducing parking requirements and enabling multi-unit housing and secondary suites to proceed with fewer hearings. These measures help duplexes, triplexes, and laneway homes move forward faster, addressing critical housing needs.
Operational improvements extend to inspections and occupancy requirements. Electrical and mechanical inspections are now conducted virtually through video or photo submissions, reducing scheduling bottlenecks. The removal of mandatory occupancy permits for simple tenant changes streamlines processes even further, cutting costs and time for businesses.
Collectively, these initiatives position Winnipeg as a leader in municipal modernization. The City is delivering faster approvals, reducing bureaucratic friction, and creating a more predictable environment for investment. By embracing digital transformation and regulatory agility, Winnipeg is creating a business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs, accelerating growth, and setting a benchmark for other municipalities. Continued monitoring and stakeholder engagement will ensure these reforms remain effective and adaptable as the city continues to grow.
Background information:
- City of Winnipeg website:
- https://www.winnipeg.ca/news/2024-12-09-city-winnipeg-continues-expand-online-options-permit-applications
- https://www.winnipeg.ca/building-development/housing/housing-accelerator-fund/infill-housing
- https://www.winnipeg.ca/news/2025-01-13-city-winnipeg-receives-306-million-annual-installment-housing-accelerator-fund
Awarded to: Committee on Internal Trade (CIT)
Recipients: Agreement signatories:
- Hon. Caitlin Cleveland, Northwest Territories Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (CIT Chair)
- Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, Federal Minister of Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy
- Hon. Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Hon. Joseph Schow, Alberta Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration
- Hon. Ravi Kahlon, BC Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth
- Hon. Jean-Claude D’Amours, New Brunswick Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
- Hon. Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade
- Hon. Warren Kaeding, Saskatchewan Minister of Trade and Export Development, Minister Responsible for Innovation
- Hon. Darlene Compton, PEI Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Trade
- Hon. Samuel Poulin, Quebec Minister of Economy and Small and Medium Enterprises
- Hon. Jamie Moses, Manitoba Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation
- Hon. Victor Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
*Due to territorial elections, the governments of Nunavut and the Yukon participated as observers.
Mutual recognition: Clear path to true free trade in Canada
The Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement (CMRA) marks a major step toward real free trade within Canada. Signed by the Committee on Internal Trade on November 19, 2025, the agreement is expected to take effect by June 2026 in all jurisdictions.
Once in place, businesses will no longer have to search through thousands of rules across 14 different jurisdictions to sell their goods. If an item can be sold in one province or territory, it won’t require additional testing, certifications, or approvals to be sold in any other jurisdiction. The agreement will cover a range of goods such as appliances, industrial machinery, vehicles, furniture, and clothing. However, it excludes food, live animals, alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and plants.
With the signed CMRA, small businesses will be able to grow and reach new markets without facing additional red tape, while consumers will benefit from more choice and competitive prices.
CFIB will monitor implementation to ensure the impacts of the agreement are felt on the ground. The next step in removing internal trade barriers should include expanding the mutual recognition agreement to services, food products, and alcohol.
Background information:
- CIT News Release: https://www.cfta-alec.ca/committee-on-internal-trade-ministers-sign-the-canadian-mutual-recognition-agreement-on-the-sale-of-goods
- Canadian Mutual Recognition Agreement: https://www.cfta-alec.ca/cmra
- CFIB statement: https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/media/cfib-statement-on-signed-canadian-mutual-recognition-agreement-for-goods
Awarded to: The Government of Ontario
Recipients: Hon. Andrea Khanjin, Minister of Red Tape Reduction
REGi: Harnessing AI to reduce red tape in Ontario
Meet “REGi” (“Regulatory Intelligence”), an AI-powered platform designed to identify and reduce regulatory burdens across the Ontario government. Ontario’s Ministry of Red Tape Reduction launched REGi in 2025.
Leveraging a Large Language Model (LLM), REGi is synced with Ontario’s e-Laws to scan and analyze government requirements across all the province’s 3,500+ statutes and regulations to identify red tape instantly and consistently. While not fully operational yet, the tool is already in use. At full maturity, it will immediately pinpoint outdated, duplicative, complex, and overly prescriptive rules across all laws, regulations, policies, and forms.
CFIB looks forward to seeing the new technology’s impact on reducing red tape burdens for Ontario businesses and citizens.
Background information:
- Ontario 2025 Burden Reduction Report: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2025-burden-reduction-report
Awarded to: The Government of British Columbia
Recipients:
Hon. Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs
Vincent Tong, CEO, BC Housing
A DASH of innovation: Transforming housing in British Columbia
A new online toolkit called “Digitally Accelerated Standardized Housing” (DASH) helps developers and non-profit organizations design and build homes in British Columbia faster and at lower cost.
The open-source, free platform closes the gap between the planning, design, and construction phases of three- to six-storey buildings. By using prefabricated parts, permit-ready building types and standard designs, DASH speeds up approvals and streamlines municipal reviews, without sacrificing quality or design.
Developers can find suitable housing sites and generate code-compliant building layouts in minutes, architects can speed up the design process with ready-made unit layouts, while manufacturers can get digital access to a permit-ready library of prefabricated products. The BC government estimates the platform can save 50-60% of design time and 20-25% on construction costs.
The program will help British Columbians access affordable housing faster, while allowing builders and designers to reduce costs and deliver projects more quickly. CFIB will monitor the success of the toolkit to help get homes built faster over the next year.
Background information:
- BC Government News Release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HMA0114-001142
- BC Housing: https://www.acceleratedhousing.ca/
- News article on toolkit: https://www.townandcountrytoday.com/national-business/bc-government-dashes-out-digital-tool-to-help-build-homes-faster-11520123
2025 Honourable Mentions and "Ones to Watch" Awards
Honourable Mention: Safe Food for Canadians Regulations amendments for the City of Lloydminster
Awarded to: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
Recipients:
- Paul MacKinnon, President of the CFIA
The City of Lloydminster, uniquely situated on the border of Alberta and Saskatchewan, has long faced regulatory challenges due to its recognized status in both provinces. Food safety oversight is handled by the Saskatchewan Health Authority throughout the city. However, federal food regulations under the Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA) and Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) did not account for Lloydminster’s special interprovincial status. As a result, local businesses had to navigate interprovincial trade requirements, including renewing and paying for a Safe Food Canada (SFC) licence every two years, ensuring all products met labelling and packaging standards, and preparing a preventive control plan (PCP) to identify food risks simply to sell food within their own city.
To address this, the Regulations Amending the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (City of Lloydminster) were developed. These amendments exempt food commodities and businesses operating within Lloydminster from federal interprovincial trade requirements under the SFCA and SFCR, treating the city as if it were entirely within one province. This change reduces red tape, supports local businesses, and aligns federal rules with the Lloydminster Charter.
This regulatory update makes it easier for businesses to operate, encourages local trade, and strengthens Lloydminster’s economy. This initiative showcases a thoughtful and practical approach to regulatory reform, making Lloydminster a model for innovative solutions to complex interprovincial challenges moving forward.
In addition to reduced red tape, there are cost-saving benefits for businesses on both sides of the provincial border as they will no longer have to bear the costs associated with the interprovincial requirements of the SFCR (see Table 1 below).
| Activity | Annualized compliance costs per business |
|---|---|
| Preventive controls and preventive control plans (PCPs) | |
| Developing and documenting the PCP | $276 |
| Implementing preventive controls and a PCP | $7,554 |
| Maintaining PCPs | $466 |
| PCP subtotal | $8,296 |
| Licencing | |
| Licence fee | $144 |
Background information:
“One to Watch” Award winner: Mutual recognition pilot project for the trucking industry
Awarded to: The Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (as Chairs of the coalition), and all other members of the coalition: Ontario; Nova Scotia; Manitoba; Prince Edward Island; Saskatchewan; Alberta; Northwest Territories; Yukon; and Nunavut.
Recipients:
- Hon. Anita Anand, Federal Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
- Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, Federal Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs
- Hon. Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador (Co-Chair of pilot), Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
- Coalition members:
- Hon. Gilles Arsenault, PEI Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (CIT Chair)
- Hon. Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, Minister of Intergovernmental Relations
- Hon. Warren Kaeding, Saskatchewan Minister of Trade and Export Development, Minister Responsible for Innovation
- Hon. Jamie Moses, Manitoba Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation
- Hon. Caitlin Cleveland, Northwest Territories Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment
- Hon. Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade
- Hon. David Akeeagok, Nunavut Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Minister Responsible for Trade
- Hon. Victor Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
- Hon. Ranj Pillai, Premier of Yukon, Minister of Economic Development
This pilot project marks Canada’s first tangible mutual recognition policy breakthrough since the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) was signed in 2017.
Introduced on September 26, 2024, this pilot project aims to reduce internal trade barriers by committing participating provinces and territories to recognize each other’s trucking regulations without compromising safety standards. As the first initiative of its kind, this project represents a Canada-wide commitment to mutual recognition, making it easier for businesses to operate across provinces, and thereby increasing productivity and economic growth.
Participants will commit to recognizing each other’s regulations, such as driver medical requirements, training requirements, time-of-day definitions, and oversized vehicle signage requirements, ensuring the smoother movement of trucks across provincial and territorial borders.
Over $500 billion worth of goods and services moves across provincial and territorial borders every year—equal to almost 19% of Canada's gross domestic product. Last year, one third of Canadian businesses participated in internal trade by buying or selling goods across provincial and territorial borders.
In a recent report, CFIB estimated that eliminating internal trade barriers through mutual recognition could boost the economy by $200 billion annually. This pilot, which focuses on the trucking sector, is the first of its kind on this scale in Canada and is seen as a testing ground for broader future applications, including labour mobility. Participating governments will be expected to report back on their progress at the 2025 annual Committee on Internal Trade (CIT) meeting.
Background information:
- Announcement and description: https://www.canada.ca/en/intergovernmental-affairs/news/2024/09/ministers-leblanc-and-anand-announce-trucking-pilot-to-improve-movement-of-goods.html
- CFIB press release: https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/media/cfib-applauds-new-mutual-recognition-pilot-project-for-trucking-industry
- CFTA announcement regarding the CIT meeting and the pilot: https://www.cfta-alec.ca/ministers-meet-to-drive-progress-on-internal-trade
“One to Watch” Award winner: Alberta’s “Automatic Yes” policy/framework
Awarded to: The Government of Alberta
Recipient:
- Hon. Dale Nally, Alberta Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction (SARTR) continues to take significant steps to streamline regulatory processes and reduce red tape, focusing recent efforts on improving government decision times on permits, and associated review processes. A key initiative by SARTR is the introduction of the “Automatic Yes” framework, the first of its kind in Canada. This risk-based strategy aims to speed up permit decisions while maintaining essential health, safety, and environmental standards. The framework generally targets low- and medium-risk permits, in order to reduce the review time on applications while improving application processes. This allows government to reallocate resources to focus on more complex applications, and those of relatively high-risk activities.
The “Automatic Yes” framework adds additional tools that build on the groundwork that was laid by SARTR’s creation of a provincial permit database to track and catalogue permits issued by the government. The permit database allows SARTR to work with other government ministries to identify challenge areas and solutions to help streamline the review and decision-making process. Through this work, 20% of the Alberta government’s permits have shown improvement in decision times, some by as much as 30 days. Insights gleaned from the database, in conjunction with input from government ministries, have also been instrumental in shaping Alberta’s “Automatic Yes” framework by helping to inform the way it can be applied to existing permits.
The framework includes three approaches based on those used successfully in other jurisdictions and, to some degree, already in use in the Government of Alberta: Code of Practice, Permit by Rule, and Shot Clock. Both the Code of Practice and Permit by Rule allow activities to proceed without a permit, provided defined rules and requirements are followed. In the case of Permit by Rule, applicants must also register their activities with the government and provide additional documentation. The Shot Clock sets decision deadlines for permit applications and requires communication to the applicant of either the application’s approval or the rationale for its rejection.
The three approaches within the “Automatic Yes” framework are designed to reduce red tape in review processes, improve transparency and responsiveness, and enable faster decisions for Albertans and Alberta businesses. The intended benefits of the framework are greater certainty, faster approvals, lower costs, and an improved investment environment.
Background information:
- Page 5: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/service-alberta-and-red-tape-reduction-business-plan
- Page 22: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/2817-447x
- Note: SARTR does not share this information on its website (short mentions in its annual report). This information was shared with CFIB by SARTR directly: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/red-tape-reduction-annual-report
Golden Scissors Awards Through The Years
The prestigious Golden Scissors Award recognizes politicians, public servants and other Canadians who have shown leadership in cutting red tape, producing meaningful and positive results for small businesses like yours.
The ultimate prize of the Golden Scissors has only been bestowed on only a small handful of people and organizations. Read up on 2026's special winners, and see below for all our winners, going back to 2015!
For the first time in CFIB history, there was no Golden Scissors winner in 2025. Instead, the year highlighted a few promising steps toward cutting red tape. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) received an Honourable Mention for amending the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations to finally resolve Lloydminster’s long‑standing interprovincial regulatory burden. Two “Ones to Watch” recognitions were also given: the Government of Alberta for its proposed Automatic Yes framework to speed up permit approvals, and the federal government, Newfoundland & Labrador, and partners for launching a mutual recognition pilot in the trucking sector—Canada’s first tangible internal‑trade breakthrough since the CFTA.
In 2024, Golden Scissors Award recognizes Ontario and Atlantic provinces for boosting healthcare labour mobility:
- The Atlantic provinces are being recognized for their visionary Atlantic Physician Registry. Launched on May 1, 2023, this groundbreaking initiative allows physicians to practice in all four Atlantic provinces without having to register in each.
- The Ontario government is being recognized for their “As of Right” legislation. Under the leadership of health minister Sylvia Jones, the Your Health Act allows Canadian-credentialed healthcare workers to begin working in Ontario immediately, without first having to wait for the registration process to be completed.
The GNWT is being recognized for making red tape reduction a priority through its Red Tape Reduction Working Group and its online portal for the public to submit their feedback on red tape irritants. The GNWT has set a strong standard of a five-day internal response time for submissions made through the online feedback portal. Government departments are required to report back to the Red Tape Reduction Working Group on each submission made through the portal within five days, identifying how they plan to address the problem and indicating how much time is needed to complete the change.
Read more about the NWT win and the "ones to watch" - Governments of Ontario, Nova Scotia for innovation in customer service and permitting.
- The Alberta government, for passing Bill 49 – the Labour Mobility Act, which makes it easier to recognize out-of-province certifications in more than 100 regulated occupations, including optometrists, dental assistants, pharmacists, firefighters, veterinarians, social workers, accountants, and engineers. Now people in these occupations can start working in the province without having to undergo additional exams, education, or re-certification.
- The Nova Scotia government, for its Reducing Physician Administrative Burden Initiative. The initiative started with a direct survey of doctors to help identify the overall red tape burden and quantify how much was unnecessary (such as duplicate paperwork, and antiquated procedures). It found unnecessary red tape amounts to the equivalent of 1.5 million patient visits. Work to date includes removing barriers to which health zones doctors can work in and simplifying medical intake forms such as social assistance documents.
Learn more about the 2022 winners and honourable mention list
Instead of doling out Golden Scissors Awards to a select few winners, we’re recognizing governments across the country who gave us something to celebrate: alcohol regulations fit for the 21st century.
Whether it was provinces allowing beer and wine to be sold with takeout orders, or municipalities who eased their patio rules and applications, politicians across Canada served up a big glass of sanity. Cheers!
In 2020, we celebrated three winners and two honourable mentions spanning five provinces.
Meet the winners:
- Quebec Minister of Public Security, Geneviève Guilbault, for eliminating Quebec’s redundant permit requirements for bowling alleys and amusement equipment in response to receiving a Paperweight “Award” in 2019.
- The Government of Manitoba (represented by Premier Brian Pallister), for their major overhaul of government systems, increasing accountability and transparency for citizens and breaking down silos between government departments.
- Alberta Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction Grant Hunter, who directs the province’s list of red tape initiatives and invites citizens and businesses to submit their red tape headaches to the Cut Red Tape website to be reviewed and addressed.
CFIB also awarded two Golden Scissors honourable mentions:
- Ontario Deputy Minister, Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Giles Gherson and the Business Relief Unit, which investigates red tape issues submitted to its “Cutting Red Tape” web portal and works directly with lawmakers to address them.
- Saskatchewan Minister of Trade and Export Development Jeremy Harrison, for creating a “Help Cut Red Tape” web portal that lets business owners fast-track their red tape concerns.
Learn more about 2020's crusaders.
In 2019, we celebrated four people who scored great victories in the fight against red tape:
- At the federal level, former Treasury Board President Scott Brison won for his commitment to reducing federal red tape on a yearly basis.
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford was recognized for his major overhaul of harmful labour rule changes, and his leadership on cross-government red tape reduction for small businesses.
- In Nova Scotia, Premier Stephen McNeil and Halifax Mayor Mike Savage were awarded for teaming up to create the Joint Project for Regulatory Modernization.
Find out more about the 2019 winners and finalists.
In 2018, we recognized Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister and Finance Minister Cameron Friesen, for instituting an ambitious red-tape reduction plan! The province's “2-for-1” rule will see two old regulations scrapped for every new one introduced, and it has already updated 15 pieces of legislation to get rid of unnecessary rules in industries from agriculture to auto repair.
The honorable mentions were:
- Hon. Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, for allowing small business owners to distribute T4s electronically to their employees.
- Nova Scotia Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness – Business Navigation Service, for pioneering innovative, personalized ways to help small businesses comply with regulations.
- Hon. Dominique Vien, Quebec’s Minister of Labour, for loosening an inflexible rule around voluntary construction work.
Find out more about the winners and finalists.
British Columbia Premier and Minister of Small Business win the award, for introducing an annual Red Tape Reduction Day, leading to the repeal of 37 unnecessary pieces of legislation. The Day also resulted in streamlined online applications for certain permits and more than 200 scrapped regulations.
Honorable mentions
- Fred Crooks, Chief Regulatory Officer, Nova Scotia: For offsetting each regulation with a cost reduction for businesses.
- Lise Thériault, Deputy Premier, Québec: For setting a goal of reducing red tape costs by 10% by 2018.
- Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Ontario: For introducing an online portal (the Red Tape Challenge) where Ontarians can submit ideas of red tape to cut.
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency: For setting up a user-friendly online resource for agri-businesses with questions about regulations.
Quebec ministers Sam Hamad (Minister of Labour) and Jean-Denis Girard (Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises) are recognized for creating a red tape task force—and implementing 90% of its recommendations!
Honorable mentions
- Premier Stephen McNeil, Nova Scotia: For leading the charge on an agreement between the provinces to recognize each other’s apprenticeship programs, allowing Canadians to find more work across the country.
- Nancy Heppner, Minister of Infrastructure and Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Trade, Saskatchewan: For harmonizing Saskatchewan’s truck regulations with Alberta’s, to facilitate transportation between the two provinces.
- Alan McIsaac, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Prince Edward Island: For allowing farmers to register vehicles once, rather than re-registering every year.
Minister of National Revenue Kerri-Lynne Findlay wins for a small, but powerful change to the way small businesses like yours remit payroll taxes to the CRA. Many small businesses can now send in payroll taxes biweekly or monthly, rather than weekly.
Honorable mentions
- Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary: For leading the Cut Red Tape initiative, which saved the city’s small businesses $2.8 million.
- Diane Whalen, Finance Minister, Nova Scotia: For eliminating a regulation that would have required scrap metal dealers to collect sellers’ personal information.
About Red Tape Awareness Week: Each year, CFIB dedicates one week in January to raise public awareness about the impact of excessive regulations and red tape on small business and challenge politicians and bureaucrats across the country to take action.