Province's Paperwork Burden Further Reduced

Progress made on improving government regulations meant 15 per cent less paperwork for businesses in Nova Scotia last year.

The Better Regulation Progress Report released today, Oct. 20, by the province, notes that paperwork required by government departments and agencies was reduced 14.8 per cent by the end of the 2008-09 fiscal year.

"Government is committed to reaching the 20 per cent reduction target by the end of 2010 and to ensuring that better regulation becomes ingrained as a practice across government," said Premier Darrell Dexter. The premier met with representatives of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business today in Halifax, as part of Small Business Week.

"It is my aim to continue the efforts to reduce the regulatory burden, while ensuring the benefits of regulation continue for all Nova Scotians."

The 2010 target is part of the Better Regulation Initiative established in 2005 to improve Nova Scotia's regulatory climate.

"We are very pleased with the results of the province's work to date in making the regulatory process a more effective and efficient one for businesses in Nova Scotia," said Leanne Hachey, vice-president, Atlantic of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. "We will continue to work with our government partners to further streamline and refine requirements."

Paperwork was measured using the Better Regulation Index which calculates the hours businesses must spend on regulatory paperwork required by provincial departments.

For more information or to download a copy of the Better Regulation Progress Report for 2008-09, visit www.gov.ns.ca/betterregulation .