Service NL
November 14, 2014

Regulatory Improvements Support Prosperous Businesses and Communities

Continued Progress in Regulatory Reform Benefits Business and Citizens

The Provincial Government has continued to deliver regulatory improvements for 2013-14 as a result of the Regulatory Reform Accountability Framework and ongoing commitments from Provincial Government departments, agencies, boards and commissions. For the 2013-14 fiscal year, over 1,300 regulatory requirements have been eliminated ensuring that the zero per cent net growth target for new regulations has been achieved.

“In 2012, our Provincial Government put in place the Regulatory Reform Accountability Framework, the only framework of its kind in Canada. Since its implementation, it has been our guideline to modernize regulation and enhance services. The framework allows us to track our progress and build on our successes resulting in tangible results for businesses and citizens.”
- The Honourable Tony Cornect, Minister of Service NL and Minister Responsible for Regulatory Reform

The Red Tape Reduction Initiative was launched in 2005 with a goal to reduce regulatory requirements by 25 per cent. This goal was surpassed within a three-year time frame and in 2009 the Provincial Government committed to establishing regulatory reform as a long-term initiative. The objective of no net growth in the number of regulatory requirements continues to be achieved. Through departments’ review of legislation, policies and forms, there have been considerable reductions in regulatory burden. Over the course of 2013-14 and 2014-15, count decreases were reported in three consecutive quarters.

“Over the last year, departments have put considerable effort into making improvements as guided by the framework. These improvements have included such initiatives as a new Food Premises Act, the consolidation of business and regional development programs and online birth, marriage and death certificates. These initiatives have improved the effectiveness of our legislation and regulations while improving our services for residents.”
- Minister Cornect

Further information on improvements achieved to modernize legislation and enhance services to businesses and citizens is contained in the Regulatory Reform 2013-14 Annual Report, the first annual report developed under the 2012 Accountability Framework. Please visit www.gov.nl.ca/redtape/reg_reform_annual_report.html to view the report.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government has eliminated 1,300 regulatory requirements ensuring zero net growth in the number of regulatory requirements during 2013-14.
• The Regulatory Reform Accountability Framework requires departments to provide regular plans and reports to ensure that departments are consistently working to improve the quality of the public’s interactions with the Provincial Government.
• The Regulatory Reform 2013-14 Annual Report outlines a number of initiatives which have modernized regulations, streamlined processes and enhanced access to many Provincial Government services. It can be viewed at www.gov.nl.ca/redtape/reg_reform_annual_report.html.

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Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd Director of Communications Service NL 709-729-4860, 682-6593 vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca

2014 11 14                           10:00 a.m.