Government moves forward with fee review initiative  

In an effort to ensure fees are set at appropriate levels throughout the province, Premier Danny Williams announced today that government is moving forward with its 2006 Budget commitment to complete an in-depth review of all fees imposed by government departments.  

�We want to build on the Red Tape Reduction Initiative in reducing the burden placed on individuals and businesses in their dealings with government.  I am very pleased to announce that the Fees and Permits Review will include a thorough analysis of every fee, permit, licence and registration imposed by all government departments.  This review is another component of our commitment to streamline government services for the citizens of this province.�  

Government fees, permits, licences and registrations are imposed for a variety of reasons.  Some of these amounts are imposed as a cost-recovery measure for goods and services provided by government, while other amounts are imposed to protect public safety or health, to manage public resources, to protect our environment, or to ensure compliance with various regulatory functions.  Loyola Sullivan, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board said the review will help ensure all fees imposed by departments serve a public purpose and are set at appropriate levels.  �This review is an opportunity to identify areas where changes may be needed,� added Minister Sullivan.  �It will allow us to identify processes that should be streamlined and to develop consistent fee policy across all government departments.  The review will also help ensure fees are reviewed at appropriate intervals and do not create an economic barrier to individuals or businesses.�  

Budget 2006 announced the elimination or reduction of 34 fees which will put approximately $1.5 million back into the hands of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.  During the coming months, the Fees and Permits Review Committee, chaired by MHA Paul Oram, will complete the in-depth fee analysis.  The review committee, with the assistance of a small working group from the Department of Business, will engage all government departments in this initiative.  As well, all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to participate.  

�Our committee welcomes all input and I encourage everyone to provide feedback for this important initiative,� said MHA Oram.  �All individuals, businesses and organizations have the opportunity to offer comments and suggestions about which fees, permits, licences or registrations should be changed or eliminated.�  

Suggestions can be sent to the committee by fax, email, general post or by completing the on-line survey at www.gov.nl.ca/redtape/fees/survey.htm.  Contact information, as well as further details about the Fees Review Initiative, is available on our government web site.  Please note that the deadline for comments and suggestions is July 31, 2006 .  

Information on committee members follows.  

Media contact:

Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, (709) 351-1227, elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
Deborah Pennell, Communications, (709) 729-6830, 685-6612

Committee Members:  

Chair Paul Oram, MHA for Terra Nova, is co-owner and operator of a personal care home and a funeral home, and a construction company.  He has been an active member of the business community in the central region of the province.  

Shawn Skinner, MHA for St. John's Centre, has owned and operated a private, post-secondary training college since 1993.  He has been an active volunteer with many groups such as the St. John's Boys and Girls Club, the Benevolent Irish Society and the Canadian Red Cross. He was also a member of St. John's City Council prior to being elected to the House of Assembly.  

Wallace Young, MHA for St. Barbe, is co-owner of the Plum Point Motel, a family-owned business.  His background in the business community includes past president of the Straits St. Barbe Chamber of Commerce, past director of the Viking Trail Tourism Association and the Red Ochre Regional Board.  He was also a member of the Government Services Committee, and the former opposition critic for the Department of Government Services and Lands.  

2006 06 29                                                        3:30 p.m.