Atlantic Provinces Work to Reduce Regulations for Business

Ministers and officials from the four Atlantic provinces and representatives from the private sector met in Moncton today, April 16, to discuss rule and regulation reform for small- and medium-sized business.

The roundtable discussion is a Council of Atlantic Provinces plan to identify how provincial regulations can be streamlined to reduce the burden on business.

Today's event brings together senior government officials responsible for regulatory reform, and private-sector members from Atlantic Canada who will represent the interests of their respective industries.

"Working with representatives of small- and medium-sized enterprises, in sessions like these, is the key to improving the competitiveness of business and protecting our communities in Nova Scotia and throughout our region," said Angus MacIssac, chair of the Treasury and Policy Board, and Minister responsible for the Better Regulation Initiative.

"The province of Nova Scotia has been working with business and the public to get regulation right through the Better Regulation Initiative. One of our goals is to reduce the paperwork burden for businesses in Nova Scotia over the next three years by 20 per cent, making the province an easier place to do business."

Business New Brunswick Minister and Minister responsible for Red Tape Reduction Greg Byrne said his province is proud to host the event.

"This is an important roundtable discussion that allows our four governments to receive direct feedback about regulations that affect business," said Mr. Byrne. "While government regulation is necessary to protect the health and safety of Atlantic Canadians, we must continually look at ways to reduce red tape for our thousands of small- and medium-sized businesses."

Elizabeth Beale of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council said the Atlantic ministers are to be congratulated for conducting the consultation with business leaders.

"The session allowed senior government officials to hear in detail how current rules and regulations impact businesses at the operational level," Ms. Beale said. "The knowledge gained by participating in this event will be a valuable addition to further work that APEC and the Atlantic provinces are pursuing in relation to competitiveness."