Minister Clement Releases Inaugural Red Tape Reduction

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan. 28, 2014) - Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

The Government of Canada today released its first Scorecard Report outlining the substantial progress made in cutting red tape for Canadian business, under the Red Tape Reduction Action Plan.

Treasury Board President Tony Clement made the announcement at Greco Lean + Fit's newest location on Sussex Drive during Red Tape Awareness Week™, held annually by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

Minister Clement was joined by Minister of National Revenue Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of International Trade Ed Fast, and Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism, and Agriculture) Maxime Bernier, who explained the latest red-tape measures taken by their respective departments. The CFIB's Laura Jones, a member of the Regulatory Advisory Committee that reviewed the Scorecard, also addressed event attendees.

Quick Facts

The Scorecard Report captures the progress made in implementing the Red Tape Reduction Action Plan's systemic reforms during the 2012-2013 fiscal year.
The Regulatory Advisory Committee, which is composed of external experts from business and a consumer group, reviewed the Scorecard and endorsed it as a fair and reliable account of the progress made.
The Scorecard Report will be published by the President of the Treasury Board on an annual basis. The Scorecard and the Committee's views on the federal government's progress will also be provided to the Auditor General each year.
Canada's Red Tape Reduction Action Plan is one of the most ambitious red tape-cutting initiatives in the world today. It increases Canadian competitiveness, frees business to innovate, grow, and create jobs, and underscores Canada's reputation as one of the best places in the world to do business and invest.

Quotes

"Our Government's first Scorecard Report confirms that we've made tangible progress in cutting red tape for Canadian business. The Red Tape Reduction Action Plan's government-wide reforms are being successfully implemented, thanks to our strong leadership, a robust infrastructure, and a solid commitment to success from regulators."

Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board

"The CRA has made significant progress on making compliance easier and decreasing regulatory burdens so businesses can be competitive and innovative within their sectors. We are looking forward to meeting with businesses face to face to discuss matters that are truly important to them."

Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue

"Our Government understands that businesses of all sizes do best when there is less red tape and barriers to trade are reduced or removed altogether. That's why, as part of the most ambitious pro-trade plan in Canadian history, we're helping business expand and succeed abroad by removing tariffs, locking in fair and predictable conditions, and establishing mechanisms to reduce unnecessary red tape. These measures will help ensure that world-class Canadian businesses continue to find success in global markets, which we know creates jobs and opportunities here at home."

Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade

"Concrete steps are being taken to reduce irritating red tape for Canada's small businesses so that they can do what they do best: create jobs and economic growth. The Scorecard Report shows that we are well on our way to building an effective federal regulatory system that is consistent and fair, and that supports innovation, productivity, and competition."

Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism, and Agriculture)

"CFIB has always said, if it matters, measure it. The federal government continues to be a leader in fighting red tape, particularly when it comes to measuring, cutting, and publicly reporting on the burden being shouldered by small businesses. For these reasons, CFIB is pleased to recognize Minister Clement, personally, with a nomination for its prestigious Golden Scissors Award, and to give the federal government one of the highest grades on CFIB's 2014 red tape accountability report card, a B+."

Laura Jones, Executive Vice-President, Canadian Federation of Independent Business

"Reducing red tape is comparable to shedding those extra unwanted pounds. As a Canadian business owner, red tape, like fat, holds us back and costs us big bucks. The solution: put the paperwork on a weight loss plan. Cut the fat and make it lean to create a muscular economy."

Tony Greco, Owner, Greco Lean + Fit

Minister Clement Releases Inaugural Red Tape Reduction Scorecard