The Ontario government continues to support the province’s economy by introducing new measures to promote economic stability and encourage investment, while keeping Ontario families, workers, and the environment safe and healthy. Today, Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction, announced Ontario’s Fall Red Tape Reduction Package and introduced the Supporting People and Businesses Act.

“This comprehensive red tape reduction package builds on three years of work to reduce burden and lighten the load for people and businesses weighed down by the pandemic’s demands,” said Minister Tangri. “Cutting red tape and modernizing our regulatory system will help people and businesses meet the demands of today, while positioning them for a brighter tomorrow.”

If passed, the act will support businesses on the ground and help government deliver clear and effective rules that promote public health and safeguard the environment without sacrificing innovation, growth and opportunity.

Some of the proposed changes in the act, include:

• Making it easier for people to become volunteers by providing free police record checks. It will also reduce administrative burden for police services.
• Proposing changes to set the groundwork for the government to allow licensed restaurants, bars and other hospitality businesses create or extend their outdoor patio spaces.
• Creating greater access to veterinarians by developing a “one-health” approach to veterinary facilities that will benefit farmers, the agri-food sector and the general public.
• Increasing financial supports and simplifying the application process for the Second Career program to help those looking for employment, train for occupations in high demand.
• Modernizing regulations under the Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act to align with the current Health Canada Safety Codes to ensure they reflect the latest evidence and technology. It will also help to relieve the backlog of appointments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Developing a pilot program for non-electric and electric-assist large cycles that will give municipalities another option to attract and boost tourism while maintaining road safety.

“Since taking office, our government has been working to remove the red tape and regulatory burdens that make growth for businesses more difficult and stifle opportunities for job creators, non-profit organizations, and workers across the province,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development Job Creation and Trade. “Through our work to modernize our regulatory system and make Ontario ripe for future investment and economic prosperity, we’re making Ontario an even better and easier place for businesses to expand and thrive.”

The 2021 Burden Reduction Report shows Ontario continues to make substantial progress in reducing regulatory burdens. In the past three years (ending June 30, 2021) our government has reduced its total number of regulatory compliance requirements by 6.5% and achieved $373 million in net annual savings to businesses, not-for-profits, municipalities, universities and colleges, school boards and hospitals in regulatory compliance costs.

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NEWS RELEASE
GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO
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