Call for Ideas to Reduce Red Tape

Nova Scotians can share their ideas to reduce red tape using the Province’s new Report Red Tape Tool, released today, October 20, during Small Business Week.

Regulations help protect public safety, social well-being, consumer confidence and the environment. But rules and processes can sometimes be outdated, overly complex and/or duplicative, adding unnecessary burden or red tape.

“The regulatory environment has been created over decades and we know government can be more effective,” said Premier Tim Houston, Minister responsible for the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness. “We want to hear directly from Nova Scotians on their ideas, particularly about how to make it easier to access services or start and grow a business in the province.”

Nova Scotians can share their feedback on red tape at: https://beta.novascotia.ca/share-feedback-red-tape

All submissions will be directed to the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness, which will work with departments on ideas that can be actioned.

Quotes:

“This input will add to the ideas we continually receive through our business navigators and other outreach activities and help reduce red tape that causes frustration, takes time away from other priorities and acts as a barrier to economic growth.”

– Fred Crooks, Chief Regulatory Officer for the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness

“Public input into government processes is critical to ensuring they continue to modernize. We’re pleased there is now a standing place to provide red tape feedback and encourage Nova Scotians to share their experiences and ideas.”

– Louis-Philippe Gauthier, Vice-President, Atlantic, Canadian Federation of Independent Business

Quick Facts:

• in 2021, businesses saved more than $10 million (net) through regulatory reform
• in 2021, regulatory modernization saved citizens more than 100,000 hours through digital service delivery improvements
• the office is leading a target to reduce administrative red tape for Nova Scotian physicians by 50,000 hours per year by the end of 2023

Additional Resources:

More information on savings to businesses and citizens through regulatory reform can be found in the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness’ 2021 annual report: https://beta.novascotia.ca/documents/office-regulatory-affairs-and-service-effectiveness-annual-report-2021

More information about the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness can be found at: http://novascotia.ca/regulatoryopportunity/

Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/NS_RegReform