The United Conservative Government has talked about reducing red tape in their government, saying the reduction and simplifying of complex bureaucratic processes will help make the Alberta economy the most efficient and fastest moving in the country.

Their Red tape Reduction Act, which was launched in the spring, is aimed at cutting back those burdensome regulations by one third.

MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka Ron Orr says they still intend to protect the environment, Albertans' health and safety, as well as our ability to make money, but there are places where fat can be trimmed.

“But at the same time there are many processes that are just overly complex, and overly redundant in fact. Different departments asking for the same information, so it’s really about trying to help create new jobs and help make business more efficient and profitable here in Alberta so that we do create more jobs for people.”

He says the amount of red tape some businesses have to go through not only reduces their bottom line, but can also impact their hiring practices.

“My estimate is somewhere around 80,000 different rules, requirements, regulations, responses that are required by the Alberta government for the industry to comply with, and the total cost of businesses to Alberta to comply with all of this, is somewhere around $4.5 billion in 2017, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. “

Orr says the oil and gas industry, as well as the tourism and hospitality industry are the first two industry's that are being looked at for red tape reduction.

He said relaxed rules around alcohol consumption in parks, using e transfers to transfer community grants to non-profits, and enabling automatic enrolment of AISH program recipients to Seniors Benefits are just a few examples of cumbersome barriers already being reduced.

 

From the Government of Alberta:

In support of the Red Tape Reduction Act, the Government of Alberta is launching the first two industry panels that will assist in identifying unnecessary red tape in key sectors of Alberta’s economy.

These panels are made up of industry leaders from across Alberta who will work to support the government’s plan to cut red tape by one-third. They will provide feedback on the various red tape initiatives to the Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction and assist him in identifying the regulatory burdens that are holding back their respective sectors. This process will ensure the needs of every Alberta family are met in the most efficient and safest way possible.

The Tourism and Hospitality industry panel will hold their first meeting on August 6, and the Oil and Gas industry panel on August 8. The panels will meet biannually and provide reports to the Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction.

“Cutting red tape is beneficial for every Albertan. Reducing regulatory burden and unnecessary processes encourages economic growth and job creation; which is of utmost importance to our government. I am looking forward to meeting with the industry panel attendees and gaining valuable insight into each sector of Alberta’s economy. Identifying opportunities to improve how our province does business is a big win for our families and future.” Grant Hunter, Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction.

Leveraging expert advice is a key component to identifying and reducing red tape in Alberta. In addition to the panels, input will be sought through engagement with small groups and industry leaders outside of the industry panels.

“This work is imperative for ensuring an improved economy and associated jobs across the entire province. Under Minister Hunter’s excellent leadership I am confident this will be successful for industry, stakeholders and all Albertans.” Tristan Goodman, president, Explorers and Producers Association of Canada.

Additional panels that will be launched in the future will include industry leaders in:

  • Small Business
  • Agriculture, Agri-Food, and Bio-industrial
  • ForestryConstruction
  • Manufacturing
  • Non-profit

Along with industry panels and meetings with stakeholders, government continues to solicit feedback from all Albertans online at CutRedTape.Alberta.ca. Since launching on June 24, more than 2,200 submissions have been made.

Red Tape Reduction industry panel members:

Tourism and Hospitality:

  • Dave Kaiser, president and CEO, Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association
  • Brett Ireland, chair, Alberta Small Brewers Association
  • Ed Sims, president and CEO, Westjet
  • Darren Reeder, executive director, Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association
  • Corey Jarvis, president, Alberta Professional Outfitters Society
  • Matthew Ellis, vice-president of government and stakeholder relations, Convenience Industry Council of Canada
  • Yannis Karlos, co-chair, Association for Mountain Parks Protection and Enjoyment
  • Brenda Holder, Indigenous Tourism Association Canada
  • George Goldhoff, president and CEO, Pure Canadian Gaming
  • Leslie Echino, board member, Restaurants Canada

Oil and Gas:

  • Tim McMillan, president and CEO, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
  • Tristan Goodman, president, Explorers and Producers Association of Canada
  • Chris Bloomer, president and CEO, Canadian Energy Pipeline Association
  • Gary Mar, president and CEO, Petroleum Services Association of Canada
  • Mark Scholz, president and CEO, Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors
  • Randy Findlay, chairman of the board, Pembina Pipeline Corporation
  • Sue Riddell Rose, president and CEO, Perpetual Energy
  • Paul Ferneyhough executive director, North America, Repsol
  • Jeff Tonken, president and CEO, Birchcliff Energy

If you know of any areas in which the government can cut red tape, we encourage you to have your say at CutRedTape.Alberta.ca.