One-window Access Tops Task

PRIORITIES/PLANNING SECRETARIAT--One-window Access Tops Task Force Wish List

The Red Tape Reduction Task Force released its interim report today, which contains 12 recommendations that would make the province more business-friendly and prosperous.

The report reflects the opinions of Nova Scotia businesses and entrepreneurs, municipalities, labour organizations and individuals. Since being established by Premier John Hamm in May, the task force has received 59 written submissions, met with 16 key stakeholder groups and held public meetings in 15 communities to get first-hand information.

Among the 12 recommendations:

• establish one-window access to government services, ideally, one-window access to multiple levels of government, for business and individuals;
• enforce regulations, but don't treat business as an adversary; strike an appropriate balance between prosperity and protection;
• improve communications with the public to explain changes in services and regulations and the underlying rationale for the changes;
• repeal the Retail Business Uniform Closing Act so municipalities can allow Sunday shopping if local residents want it;
• deregulate the intercity bus system to increase competition; introduce sufficient regulations to ensure that all forms of public transport meet some agreed standards for safety.

"People want efficiency, accessibility and service, what they're getting now is forms, delays and voicemail," said David Grace, chair of the Red Tape Reduction Task Force. "What is interesting is that people are more unhappy about the administration of regulations than the regulations themselves. Clearly, government needs to work at becoming more customer-oriented."

"Our government is serious about restoring Nova Scotia's prosperity. A big part of the solution is building an environment that promotes investment and job creation," said Ron Russell, chair of the Priorities and Planning Secretariat. "I believe the task force has delivered valuable insight into what needs to be done in this regard."

Mr. Russell indicated that some recommendations are already being introduced.

"We heard a clear cry for better access to government services from businesses and individuals across the province. Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, launched on Oct. 1, is just such an organization. It will handle 80 per cent of the government's interaction with businesses and individuals and already has a presence in every county. It will become a leader in electronic commerce and alternate service delivery, offering 80 per cent of its services online--anytime and anywhere--in the near future," said Mr. Russell.

Establishing eight privately operated agency liquor stores and allowing licensees to use credit cards for their purchases are other examples of how the government is in synch with the task force, said Mr. Russell, as is the improvement of driver and vehicle registration services on the South Shore.

"The report acknowledges the need to balance business opportunity and growth on one hand and the health and safety of the community on the other," he said. "We need to take a comprehensive look at the recommendations regarding occupational health and safety, the Building and Fire Codes and deregulating shopping hours."

"We urge the government to act quickly on these recommendations," said Mr. Grace. "We believe they will have a positive impact on our economy. They support small business and job creation and contribute to Nova Scotia's long-term economic growth."

The Red Tape Reduction Task Force was announced on May 11 by Premier Hamm and is chaired by David Grace, a professional engineer, and president and CEO of Nautel, a well-established manufacturing operation. He has been a successful Nova Scotia businessman for more than 30 years. Mr. Grace is a member of the Board of Governors of Saint Mary's University and the former chairman of the Nova Scotia division of the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters.

Five MLAs are working members of the task force. They include:
Barry Barnet, Jon Carey, Bill Dooks, Richard Hurlburt and David Morse. Together, the MLAs have extensive small business experience in the areas of construction, transportation, insurance and sales.

The task force still welcomes comments and submissions. To contact the Red Tape Reduction Task Force, use any of the following methods:

• Internet: http://www.gov.ns.ca/cutredtape/submissions.html
• E-mail: [email protected]
• fax: 902-424-7638
• phone: 1-866-346-7179
• mail: David Grace, Chair, Red Tape Reduction Task Force, 5th floor, 1700 Granville St., One Government Place, P.O. Box 1617, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2Y3

kjd November 10, 2000