Progress in reducing red tape continues

Reducing barriers connected with red tape for the businesses and residents of this province is an ongoing priority for this government, said Minister of Business Kevin O�Brien as he provided an update today on the progress of the Red Tape Reduction Initiative.

"I am very pleased with the progress we�ve accomplished," said Minister O�Brien. "The numbers clearly show our success. 16,910 regulatory requirements have been removed from the system. This means we are a little over one-fifth of the way there. This tremendous achievement is the result of our commitment to enhance ease-of-use for our clients, the individuals and businesses of this province."

A reduction target of 78,129 was established following an inventory count of regulatory requirements across all government departments and entities included in the initiative. This target represents 25 per cent of the total inventory of 312,517. With the progress announced today, the target is now at 61,219.

The initiative began with the creation of the Red Tape Reduction Task Force, which would focus on red tape impacting small and medium-sized businesses in the province. However, shortly after the process began, the mandate was expanded to examine red tape negatively impacting Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in their everyday lives. The focus would now include all regulatory requirements of all government departments and the agencies, boards, and commissions included in the initiative.

"One of our responsibilities in the Department of Business is to foster a business friendly environment," concluded Minister O�Brien. "Our progress in reducing the red tape of government definitely has a positive impact on business. Yet, it also benefits every individual, group, or organization that avails of government services. The results so far are tremendous."

The progress announced today reflects activity up to June 30, 2006. The next update is anticipated January 2007 and will reflect the period from July 1 through December 31, 2006.

Media contact: Glenda Power, Communications, (709) 729-7628, 693-2655, glendapower@gov.nl.ca.

2006 10 02                                     9:45 a.m.