GOVERNMENT HAILS CFIB RED TAPE AWARENESS WEEK

In recognition of the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB)'s Red Tape Awareness week, the Government of Saskatchewan is reiterating its commitment to continuous regulatory modernization, to make it easier for business to do business in our province.

"The government is joining the CFIB in highlighting Red Tape Awareness week as we want to see our business people devoting their energy and talent to growing their businesses, creating jobs and earning income," Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "Our regulatory regime is very competitive and our goal is to keep it relevant, enforceable and dynamic in order to make it attractive to businesses wishing to invest in our province."

Enterprise Saskatchewan (ES), the government's economic development agency, established the Regulatory Modernization Council (RMC) to provide advice on ways to enhance regulatory service and ensure a competitive regulatory environment. The RMC is composed of stakeholders from the private sector, including those representing small, medium and large businesses in the province that are directly impacted by regulations. Key aspects of the RMC's workplan include:

• encouraging ministries to evaluate, and if appropriate, adopt modern regulatory alternatives such as standards-based regulations; 
• establishing, expanding and enhancing one-window or online services such as BizPaL, a website with business permit and license information; 
• reducing regulatory overlap and duplication by increasing the harmonization of standards and regulations; and 
• improving the government's overall regulatory client service.

In October 2009, the government held a Regulatory Modernization Conference. National and international regulatory experts came together to discuss how to modernize and streamline Saskatchewan's regulatory system, and make it more transparent, customer-focused and outcome-based. A summary of the conference highlights is available from Enterprise Saskatchewan.

Regulatory modernization is a key component of the Government of Saskatchewan's strategy to increase business and economic competitiveness, while protecting public health, safety, workers and the environment.

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For more information, contact:

Tim Tororey
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5582
Email: tim.tororey@enterprisesask.ca