Red Tape Reduction Task Force Releases Progress Report

TREASURY/POLICY BOARD--Red Tape Reduction Task Force Releases Progress Report

Nova Scotia is making significant progress in reducing red tape and clearing the path for business in Nova Scotia, according to the progress report of the Red Tape Reduction Task Force.

"Government has made great strides in the last year, particularly in e-government and e-business services," said David Grace, chair of Red Tape Reduction Task Force. "We are definitely moving in the right direction in reducing red tape."

Mr. Grace presented the task force's progress report to Ron Russell, chair of Treasury and Policy Board, at the Registry of Deeds office in Liverpool today.

The progress report details government's response to recommendations made by the task force last spring. The task force has been working to identify ways to reduce unnecessary red tape to allow business to flourish, while ensuring necessary regulatory protection for employees, the public, and the environment.

"I'm pleased to accept the task force's second report on behalf of the government," said Mr. Russell. "It's important that we keep the ball rolling, and that we continue to examine and re-examine our efforts to improve services to Nova Scotians and to reduce red tape."

Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, said his department has led the way in making government services more convenient and accessible for businesses and individuals across the province.

"People here in Liverpool can now get a driver's licence or register their car without having to drive 40 or 50 kilometres out of their way," said Mr. MacIsaac. "We've been working on several fronts like this to help businesses and individual Nova Scotians work more easily with government. It's great to see this progress recognized in the task force report."

Mr. Grace said the task force has received invaluable advice and suggestions from many Nova Scotians through public presentations, individual meetings, and written submissions.

"I'm also grateful for the ongoing co-operation of government departments in pursuing the goal of red tape reduction," he said.

Premier John Hamm launched the Red Tape Reduction Task Force in May 2000. It is chaired by businessman David Grace, president and CEO of Nautel, with MLAs Barry Barnet, Jon Carey, John Chataway, Bill Dooks, and Richard Hurlburt as members.

The task force progress report makes a number of recommendations for further work in the coming months, including a process to improve the way government regulations are developed and applied. A final report is due in 2002.

The report is available on the Red Tape Reduction Task Force Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/cutredtape .