Too many rules? Carney orders review of all government regulations
Prime Minister Mark Carney has followed through on a promise made during the federal election campaign by initiating a comprehensive cross-departmental review of all regulations starting Wednesday. This move, aimed at streamlining government processes and unlocking Canada’s economic potential, was announced by Shafqat Ali, president of the Treasury Board.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, Ali emphasized the importance of regularly reviewing regulations to ensure the continued protection of the health and safety of Canadians. He highlighted the need to cut unnecessary red tape in order to facilitate economic growth and efficiency within the government.
Carney echoed these sentiments in the statement, emphasizing his government’s mandate to “spend less and invest more.” He stressed the importance of making government operations more efficient and effective to catalyze private capital and strengthen Canada’s economy, positioning it as a leader among G7 nations.
As part of the review process, each minister has been tasked with reviewing regulations within their respective departments and proposing actions to eliminate red tape. Organizations will have 60 days to conduct their reviews and report on their progress to Ali. To oversee this process, a Red Tape Reduction Office has been established.
The Liberal Party’s platform outlined a commitment to reducing government spending and eliminating waste and duplication. Carney’s plan includes separating operational spending from capital spending, with a goal of cutting the growth of government spending from nine percent to two percent. This will be achieved through a combination of eliminating inefficiencies and leveraging technology to balance operational spending within three years.
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne has also initiated a comprehensive expenditure review to rein in public sector spending. The goal is to identify ambitious savings proposals across all government departments and ensure responsible financial management.
Despite criticism from the NDP during the campaign, the Treasury Board’s announcement did not include specific financial targets. However, federal regulators are required to publicly report on their progress and priorities at the end of the 60-day review period. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business estimates that businesses paid $51.5 billion last year due to regulations, with approximately $17.9 billion attributed to red tape.
In conclusion, the government’s commitment to reducing red tape and enhancing efficiency is a key step towards building a stronger economy and ensuring the prosperity of all Canadians. By streamlining regulations and eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy, Canada aims to position itself as a competitive and attractive destination for investment and growth.
