Manitoba first out of the gate to control red tape through legislated cap
Winnipeg/Regina/Toronto, January 23, 2017– Earlier today, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) issued a red tape challenge to provincial and territorial governments to follow the example set federally and legislate a one-for-one law. CFIB commends Manitoba for becoming the first province to accept the challenge and commit to legislate a one-for-one law. At a media event today with the Hon. Deputy Premier Heather Stefanson, the Manitoba Government announced it would introduce legislation that would require at least one regulation be repealed for every new regulation introduced.
The Manitoba Government committed to legislate a cap on regulatory requirements, through a one-for-one rule, as part of its regulatory accountability legislation. For each new requirement implemented, one that creates an equivalent burden on stakeholders must be removed. A stricter version of the rule – a two-for-one-policy - will be implemented until 2021.
“We are delighted with today’s announcement out of Manitoba,” said Laura Jones, Executive Vice-President and Chief Strategic Officer at CFIB. “The Manitoba Government has shown great leadership by committing to introduce a law designed to weed out all the unnecessary red tape that accumulates in any jurisdiction over time. This law will go a long way to encouraging innovation, prosperity and entrepreneurship in Manitoba.”
“Even more impressive is the government’s bold commitment to introduce a stricter version of the rule – a two-for-one policy, which will be implemented for the next four years,” added Jones. “This will certainly put Manitoba way ahead of the pack in showing leadership on regulatory reform.”
“Our government is committed to reducing unnecessary barriers for businesses, local governments, non-profit organizations and private citizens,” said Hon. Deputy Premier Heather Stefanson. “We have accepted CFIB’s challenge and look forward to working with them in the coming years to reduce red tape.”
“We challenge all the provincial and territorial governments across Canada to follow Manitoba’s lead and jump on the red tape reduction train. Don’t be left behind,” added Jones.
The CFIB has been a leading force in red tape awareness across Canada for over a decade. The annual costs of all regulations on businesses in Canada is pegged at $37 billion per year, with close to one-third ($11 billion) of that unnecessary red tape, according to a 2015 CFIB report.
To arrange an interview with Laura Jones, please call 1 888-234-2232, 204-982-0817 or email msman@cfib.ca. Follow CFIB Manitoba on Twitter @cfibMB.
CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 109,000 members (4,800 in Manitoba) across every sector and region.
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