As of the end of the 2007-08 fiscal year, the total number of regulatory requirements within the Provincial Government has been decreased by 12.5 per cent, with over 7,000 requirements eliminated since the beginning of 2008 and a grand total of almost 40,000 since the initiative began two years ago.

"We are past the midway mark to our target of reducing regulatory requirements by 25 per cent overall," said Minister Oram. "This initiative is delivering clear results and I am pleased with the progress being made."

In addition to the number of regulatory requirements being eliminated, the initiative is also fostering innovation and efficiency in the way the Provincial Government operates, delivers services, and interfaces with clients and the public.

For example, increased access to e-government is resulting in improved customer service. Use of the Companies and Deeds Online system, in general, is steadily increasing. As well, along with the announcement in Budget 2008 of a reduction in vehicle registration fees, the Provincial Government continues to offer a 10 per cent discount for registering online, resulting in a six per cent reduction in over-the-counter transactions at Motor Registration offices and payments at banks last year.

"The Department of Government Services strives to provide quality service to the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador," said the Honourable Kevin O�Brien, Minister of Government Services. "In this day and age, many people want to access government services at their own convenience. We have found that since offering some services online, the level of interest has been tremendous."

The Department of Government Services has also taken the initiative to review legislation to determine if updates are needed and has recently enhanced various statutes. These include replacement of the outdated Architects Act of 1995 with a new Act making the architect profession more self-regulating; the repeal of the antiquated Bulk Sales Act; and the passing of the new Cost of Credit Disclosure Act, which is harmonized with the federal Bank Act and provides consumers with a standardized disclosure for the cost of borrowing.

"Improving the regulatory environment is a continuous process," said Minister Oram. "Our goal is to create a more efficient, flexible and transparent regulatory regime, and I believe this initiative will have a lasting positive effect in that regard."

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2008 05 08                                                  2:45 p.m.