NLIS 9
September 25, 2003
(Industry, Trade and Rural Development)

Red Tape Reduction Task Force established

Industry, Trade and Rural Development Minister Judy Foote today announced appointments to the newly established Red Tape Reduction Task Force and provided details on its mandate.

"Government committed in its Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth to create the �right� environment to attract new investment and encourage the growth of local businesses," said Minister Foote. "One of the key factors that contributes to a strong business environment is a responsible and balanced regulatory regime that supports, rather than stifles, the development of our economy. The creation of a Red Tape Reduction Task Force is one way in which government is following through with its commitment."

The establishment of a Red Tape Reduction Task Force was announced in Budget 2003. Its mandate is to identify opportunities to reduce, streamline or eliminate the burden of regulatory "red tape" which can unintentionally act as a barrier to new job creation and business growth, especially for small businesses. The work of the task force is to be undertaken in a manner that does not compromise the fundamental public policy objectives associated with government�s regulatory actions, such as the protection of the environment or workplace health and safety.

The task force will commence its work immediately and will present a comprehensive report with recommendations to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development within nine months. The task force will solicit input and advice from the business community through formal public hearings across the province, and will also consult with provincial industry associations, business organizations and organized labour.

"The appointments made to the Red Tape Reduction Task Force today build on an aggressive small business development agenda being implemented by government. I am grateful to these individuals for taking on this important work and I look forward to receiving their advice and recommendations in due course," said Minister Foote.

Members of the task force are as follows:

June Alteen, Corner Brook (Chairperson)
Stelman Flynn, Forteau
Reg Williams, Norris Point
Don Hollett, Grand Bank
Debbie Petite, English Harbour West
Cathy Ivany, Mount Pearl
Reg Anstey, St. John�s (Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour)

Appointments are effective immediately.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-4570.

• Identify regulatory "red tape" barriers to private sector job creation and business growth, especially for small businesses, and make recommendations on strategic opportunities to reduce, streamline or eliminate them immediately and over the longer term to strengthen the competitiveness and productivity of the economy without compromising important public policy objectives such as the protection of the environment or workplace health and safety.
  
  
• Review and take into account previous regulatory reform initiatives and actions undertaken by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
  
  
• Review and take into account "red tape" reduction initiatives undertaken in other provinces and jurisdictions, including their outcomes.
  
  
• Solicit input and advice from the business community on "red tape" barriers, in part through formal public hearings across the province and consultations with industry associations and other business organizations.
  
  
• Recommend, as appropriate, options for ongoing "red tape" reduction and reporting mechanisms within the provincial government to ensure effective "red tape" discipline is maintained over the long term (i.e. after the work of the task force is completed).
  
  
• "Red tape" barriers shall include government legislation (statutes), regulations, permits, licences, registrations, certificates, approvals, administrative standards/rules/guidelines/requirements, investigation/enforcement/inspection practices, administrative fees, paperwork, and other like policies and practices affecting private sector job creation and business growth.
  
  
• "Red tape" barriers falling within the jurisdiction of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, including provincial government boards, commissions, agencies and corporations, shall be the focus of the work of the task fForce. To the extent "red tape" barriers falling within the jurisdiction of municipalities or the federal government are identified by the task force through its public consultations or otherwise, the task force shall report on those for follow-up by the other respective jurisdictions.

2003 09 25                                        3:55 p.m.