N.L. scores C- in CFIB’s annual red tape report card

ST. JOHN’S, NL – While other provinces in Canada have made progress, Newfoundland and Labrador is falling behind on regulatory accountability, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

The organization released its red tape report card on Tuesday, Jan. 23, an annual rating of provincial and territorial governments on leadership and accountability in cutting red tape for small business.

Newfoundland and Labrador received a C- in this year’s report, down from last year's C.

“While we are applauding the political leadership being shown, there is no concrete evidence Newfoundland and Labrador is applying any comprehensive measurement practice, setting targets for red tape reduction, or putting meaningful restraint on regulators,” Vaughn Hammond, the CFIB’s director of provincial affairs in Newfoundland and Labrador, said in a news release.

“For that to happen, the government has to proclaim the Regulatory Accountability and Reporting Act, which was approved by the House of Assembly in December 2016.”

While red tape can obstruct small businesses from starting and affect their ability to succeed, true change necessitates being accountable, Hammond said.

“As we have seen in Manitoba, substantial change within government requires political will and CFIB is growing increasingly concerned the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador lacks the will to accomplish meaningful regulatory reform.”

The CFIB has written a letter to Premier Dwight Ball presenting the annual report card. The letter can be read here.

A copy of this year's report card is available at https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/sites/default/files/2018-01/2018-Red-Tape-Report-Card_0.pdf.

CFIB's red tape report scores for 2017 and 2018