Minister Clement Celebrates Small Business Week 2013 by Highlighting Progress in Reducing Red Tape

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 21, 2013) - The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board, today saluted Small Business Week 2013 by providing an update on progress made through the Red Tape Reduction Action Plan.

"Small businesses make up 98% of all businesses in Canada and employ almost 70% of private-sector workers," said Minister Clement. "This is a vital sector of Canada's economy, and that's why we have been working hard over the last year to cut unnecessary red tape-a hidden tax that kills jobs and suffocates business."

One year after the launch of the Red Tape Reduction Action Plan, the Government of Canada has made substantial progress in implementing its red tape reduction reforms. For example, the One-for-One Rule has now saved Canadian businesses nearly $20 million in administrative burden costs, which represents a reduction of about 98,000 hours in time spent dealing with regulatory red tape. As reiterated in the Speech from the Throne, our Government will also introduce legislation in the coming months to enshrine the One-for-One Rule in law.

The newly formed Regulatory Advisory Committee will review the first Annual Scorecard on results achieved through the Action Plan. Progress under the One-for-One Rule will be reported in the Scorecard, as well as the Government's progress on its other systemic reforms. This includes implementation of more than 24 service standards and 30 forward regulatory plans that have been posted on departmental Acts and Regulations web pages. Service standards and forward plans provide businesses and stakeholders with a more transparent and predictable regulatory system.

The Action Plan's 90 department-specific reforms are also being implemented. For instance, Public Works and Government Services Canada's new online tendering service is reducing the administrative burden for small businesses by making it easier for them to do business with the Government of Canada. In addition, the Canada Revenue Agency is cutting additional red tape to help small businesses navigate the tax system.

"Reducing red tape and making the regulatory process as pain-free as possible are two of the most important measures a government can take to support a flourishing and healthy business environment, both at home and in the international marketplace," added Minister Clement. "Our Government is increasing access to international markets, including through the historic agreement in principle reached last week with the European Union on a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. By eliminating about 98% of all tariff lines, the Agreement will translate into increased profits and market opportunities for Canadian businesses of all sizes, in every part of the country."

The Red Tape Reduction Action Plan, one of the most ambitious red tape-cutting initiatives in the world today, underscores Canada's reputation as one of the best places in the world to do business and invest. It eliminates business irritants in areas ranging from tax and payroll to labour and trade, and introduces time-saving measures like single windows and electronic submissions.

For more information, please see the Red Tape Reduction Action Plan.

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