Minister Clement Highlights Progress Made in Cutting Red Tape in Richmond Hill

RICHMOND HILL, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 24, 2013) - The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board, today outlined the Government of Canada's actions to reduce red tape, freeze EI premium rates, and support small businesses in a round-table discussion with members of the Richmond Hill business community. Costas Menegakis, Member of Parliament for Richmond Hill, joined Minister Clement at the round-table discussion.

"I am proud of our Government's record of empowering entrepreneurs and business people to invest in the future and create jobs," said Minister Clement. "You are focused on the strength of your city, and we are focused on ensuring you have the tools you need to build on your success."

The Red Tape Reduction Action Plan, which the Government launched last October, is one of the most far-reaching and ambitious red tape-cutting initiatives in the world today. The Action Plan is getting rid of business irritants in areas ranging from tax and payroll to trade, while introducing time-saving measures like single windows and electronic submissions.

"Cutting red tape and making the regulatory process as pain-free as possible is one of the most important initiatives government can undertake to help business thrive," said Minister Clement. "To date, we have saved Canadian businesses millions in administrative costs."

In addition, the Government recently announced that it will freeze the Employment Insurance premium rate for employees at the 2013 level of $1.88 per $100 of insurable earnings for 2014, and that the rate would be set no higher than $1.88 for 2015 and 2016.

"With this freeze, in 2014 alone, we are leaving $660 million in the pockets of job creators and Canadian workers," added Minister Clement. "This tax relief will help provide employers, especially small businesses, with the certainty and flexibility they need to keep growing."

To learn more about the Government's regulatory reforms, visit the Red Tape Reduction Action Plan.

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