Executive Council
Service NL
December 7, 2016
Reducing Regulatory Burdens on Business
Premier Announces New Regulatory Accountability and Reporting Act
A new Regulatory Accountability and Reporting Act received second reading yesterday in the House of Assembly. This new legislation will support collaboration with the other Atlantic Provinces aimed at harmonizing regulatory requirements for businesses, reducing red tape, and making it easier for companies to conduct business across the borders of Atlantic Canadian provinces.
"Part of our government’s plan to foster an attractive business environment is ensuring the regulatory burden
on businesses is minimized. This new Regulatory Accountability and Reporting Act reflects legislation
adopted by the other Atlantic Provinces, and supports efforts to ensure regulations across our jurisdictions
protect the public interest, and provide the most clear, consistent and convenient experience possible for
businesses."
- The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
As part of this initiative, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will join a Joint Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness that includes the provincial governments of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
"Our government is committed to maintaining strong regulatory practices, and this initiative creates
opportunity for the Atlantic Provinces to share best practices in this regard. I look forward to new
collaboration that should benefit both businesses and consumers."
- The Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister Responsible for the Policy Innovation and Accountability Office
Initiatives currently being explored by the joint office include:
- Aligning the timing of minimum wage changes across provinces to April 1;
- Developing common procurement documents for goods, services and construction; and
- Aligning employer record-keeping requirements across provinces.
"Entrepreneurs in Newfoundland and Labrador have consistently asked for real regulatory reform to reduce
red tape to create better conditions for them to succeed. The passing of this legislation is a significant
step in supporting small business and helping them grow the economy."
- Vaughn Hammond, Director of Provincial Affairs, Canadian Federation of Independent Business
The Provincial Government’s participation will not create costs, as existing staff from the Provincial Government will be committed to this initiative as needed.
With respect to the legislation, it will:
- Provide authority to adopt the "Atlantic Premier’s Charter," which outlines a uniform approach for assessing and implementing regulations;
- Require the development of an annual public report with respect to the Joint Office's work so that the public can review progress;
- Require a review of the Joint Office within three years; and
- Allow for a sunset provision at year five for the legislation should it be determined this initiative has achieved maximum benefit for the provinces.
A formal Memorandum of Understanding signing with other Atlantic Provinces is anticipated in the coming months.
QUICK FACTS
- A new Regulatory Accountability and Reporting Act received second reading yesterday in the House of Assembly, and will support collaborative efforts with other Atlantic Provinces to reduce regulatory burdens for businesses.
- The Premier's commitment to Red Tape Reduction can be seen in the Premier's mandate letter, available
at
www.exec.gov.nl.ca/exec/cabinet/ministers/pdf/Premier_Ball_Mandate.pdf
- A formal Memorandum of Understanding signing with other Atlantic Provinces is anticipated in the coming months.
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Media contacts:
|
Michelle Cannizzarro Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3960 michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca |
Jason Card Director of Communications Service NL 709-729-4860, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca |
|
Vaughn Hammond Director of Provincial Affairs (Newfoundland and Labrador) Canadian Federation of Independent Business 709-753-7745 vauham@cfib.ca |
2016 12 07 1:15 p.m.