Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island Partner to Deliver BizPaL Service

CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND--(Marketwire - Oct. 18, 2012) - Starting and running a business in the city of Charlottetown just became easier thanks to BizPaL, an online business permit and licence service that saves time spent on paperwork and helps entrepreneurs start up faster.

Today, the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), together with the Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, and His Worship Clifford Lee, Mayor of Charlottetown, welcomed the launch of BizPaL in the city of Charlottetown.

"Our government remains committed to putting the right conditions in place for small businesses to succeed, which includes reducing the administrative and paperwork burden they face every day," said Minister Shea. "BizPaL is a great example of our government's support of Canadian businesses, ensuring that they can continue to do what they do best: innovate, create jobs and generate wealth in our communities."

BizPaL is an innovative service that provides entrepreneurs with simplified access to information on the permits and licences they need to establish and run their businesses. This unique partnership among federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments is designed to cut through the paperwork burden and red tape that small business owners encounter.

BizPaL, which receives $3 million annually in federal funding, is administered by Industry Canada in partnership with 12 provinces and territories and more than 645 municipalities.

"BizPaL improves government service to business," said Premier Ghiz. "Through BizPaL, Innovation PEI is helping to grow our current business community and to encourage future entrepreneurs as a part of our support to accelerate PEI's private sector."

"The city of Charlottetown is a thriving community that welcomes entrepreneurs and new businesses," said Mayor Lee. "Through this online tool, the start-up process is simplified, and entrepreneurs can be sure they are getting accurate information."

Area business owners and entrepreneurs can access the service by visiting the Innovation PEI website (www.innovationpei.com). For additional information on the service, visit the BizPaL website (www.bizpal.ca).

BACKGROUNDER

BizPaL Simplifies Permits and Licences for Canadian Businesses

BizPaL is an online service that benefits Canadian businesses by helping them identify which permits and licences they require and how to obtain them. Entrepreneurs simply provide information on the type of business they want to start or expand and the activities they plan to undertake. BizPaL then automatically generates a list of all required permits and licences from all levels of government, along with basic information on each, and links to government sites where the entrepreneur can learn more and, in some cases, apply online.

BizPaL also benefits governments by making it easier for them to provide businesses with accurate information on permits and licences. Although the service is offered online, it can also be used through other service channels (i.e., telephone and in-person centres), extending services to more clients.

There are now 12 provinces and territories participating in BizPaL, with more than 645 municipalities offering the service. The service is available to over 60 percent of the Canadian population.

Industry Canada is the lead federal department for the BizPaL service, supporting the centralized functions of the service. The Government of Canada is fully committed to creating a competitive business environment that supports innovation and reduces red tape. BizPaL is an important tool that helps reduce the paperwork burden of small businesses.

The success of BizPaL is due in part to the multi-jurisdictional partnership among federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments. The partnership operates under a shared governance and costing model with collaborative decision making. Each jurisdiction is responsible for adding and maintaining its own information in BizPaL.

Area business owners and entrepreneurs can access the service by visiting the Innovation PEI website (www.innovationpei.com). For additional information on the service, visit the BizPaL website (www.bizpal.ca).