SIMCOE — Ontario received the province’s highest grade ever in an annual report card that evaluates governments across Canada based on their progress in cutting red tape.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) gave Ontario an A- in its 2019 Red Tape Report Card. This was a dramatic increase from the C+ that the previous government received in 2018 — which was tied for Ontario’s lowest grade ever. The jump from the province’s lowest to its highest grade ever is a result of the new government’s determination to cut the cost of doing business in Ontario and make companies more competitive.
“The last thing small business needs in Ontario is continued unnecessary, bureaucratic, regulation, rules, paperwork and red tape,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett.
“I am proud that CFIB has recognized we mean business when it comes to cutting red tape,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, who is the lead minister on reducing red tape and regulatory burden. “Ontario businesses face the highest cost to comply with regulations in any province — about $33,000 per company — and small businesses are being hit the hardest. Lowering the cost of doing business here will make companies more competitive so they can create and keep good jobs right here in Ontario. And we won’t stop until we get the job done.”
People across the government are rolling up their sleeves to lighten the regulatory burden on businesses, and Ontario will take this work to the next level this spring. Ministries are already pitching in with ideas for new actions to help meet an aggressive target – reducing regulatory red tape affecting businesses by 25 per cent. From the Premier on down, the government is continuously looking for ways to lower business costs to help create and protect good jobs for the people of Ontario.
QUICK FACTS
- CFIB is a non-profit organization representing and advocating for the interests and concerns of more than 110,000 Canadian owners of small and mid-sized businesses.
- It has published an annual Red Tape Report Card since 2011. CFIB says its goal is to hold the federal, provincial and territorial governments accountable for one of the biggest headaches for small businesses — excessive regulations.
QUOTES
“We’re committed to reducing red tape and easing regulatory burden for our businesses, so they can grow, create jobs and compete on a global level,” said Ernie Hardeman, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “I was so pleased to see the CFIB award Ontario its highest grade on their Red Tape Report Card. We’ll continue earning top marks by further lowering the costs of doing business in our province.” – Ernie Hardeman, Oxford MPP and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
“Speaking to just about everyone in all sectors, red-tape is one of the single biggest hurdles community agencies and small businesses face in serving our region. It’s so great to see CFIB recognize the great work we are doing to make Ontario open for business.” – Will Bouma, Brantford-Brant
“This is great news for our province. Receiving this grade shows that our government is on the right track to creating an environment in Ontario where businesses will want to come and create jobs” – Toby Barrett, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Statement by Minister Smith on the Passage of the Making Ontario Open for Business Act
Ontario’s Government for the People Cutting Red Tape to Help Create Jobs
UPDATE STILL CUTTING RED TAPE
Upping Ontario’s game by modernizing our regulatory systems
In 2018, one of the most important promises our government made to the people of Ontario was to work hard every day to cut red tape, and that’s what we have been doing. When we took office, it cost Ontario companies an average of $33,000 a year to comply with regulations. That was the highest of any province or territory in the country. Since then, we’ve been working hard to bring that cost down.
Ontario is the manufacturing engine of Canada, and the pandemic has made it clear we are a supply chain economy. Ontario supplies components to businesses across Canada and right across North America. It’s for that reason we must keep operating costs for Ontario businesses as low as possible, while at the same time strengthening regulatory standards, which are essential in keeping people healthy and protecting the environment.
We know you can’t have a strong economy without strong people. Through sensible red tape reduction, we can lighten the load for people and businesses weighed down by the pandemic’s demands. That’s why we are working to make Ontario’s programs and front-line services more convenient, reliable and accessible.
We are a people who want to get going, get moving and not waste our time and energy with unnecessary, outdated and repetitive compliance measures. It’s hard to manage a business, advance your work or simply get through the day when you are spending countless hours filling out forms and repeating the same requirements over and over again.
Since 2020, we’ve passed five high-impact regulatory modernization bills and corresponding packages of regulatory changes and policy announcements.
Through the following five acts, we’ve intensified our work to modernize regulations.
· The COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act
· The Main Street Recovery Act
· The Better for People, Smarter for Business Act
· The Supporting Recovery and Competitiveness Act
· The Supporting People and Businesses Act.
The COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act focused on speeding up the ability to fund critical infrastructure. It was designed to get infrastructure projects built faster while positioning Ontario as a modern regulator in response to an evolving pandemic.
We followed up this bill with the Main Street Recovery Act a year ago November. The purpose of this legislation was to support the small and main street businesses that have dealt with urgent and unexpected pressures related to cash flow problems, customer limits and physical distancing since the onset of the pandemic.
The Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, passed in December 2020, included measures to facilitate more efficient energy use and to facilitate home building among other measures.
The focal point of the Supporting Recovery and Competitiveness Act laid the foundation for a strong recovery and an even stronger future. This comprehensive package of 90 legislative and regulatory actions and announcements is helping to position businesses for new opportunities as vaccinations rise and the competition ramps back up.
More recently we introduced the Supporting People and Businesses Act to modernize everything from electrical safety to municipal planning to keeping public land public.
By modernizing and streamlining rules and moving more processes and services online, we can help people and business while they manage this next phase of the pandemic.
Toby Barrett MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk.
Here is yet another bill to fight red tape
Ontarians want to get going and not waste time completing unnecessary and outdated compliance measures. It is hard to manage a business, advance your work or simply get through the day when spending hours filling out forms and wading through redundant requirements.
That is why we have introduced yet another anti-red tape bill – the Supporting People and Businesses Act.
A key benefit of this legislation would permanently allow licensed restaurants, bars and other hospitality businesses to extend their licensed outdoor patio spaces. We implemented this as a temporary change to help businesses adapt. Since then, restaurant and bar owners have talked about the positive impact this has had. Making this permanent is a step in the right direction for hard-hit businesses.
Another proposal in this legislation would help streamline the planning system by cutting approval times. This adjustment would give municipal councils greater authority to determine which decisions could be made by committees of council, or by staff. It would also provide councils the flexibility to focus on issues such as the housing shortage.
The legislation also emphasizes electrical safety. It would introduce legislative amendments enabling the Electrical Safety Authority to issue administrative monetary penalties. These changes would equip the authority with a more efficient and effective compliance framework, allowing the redirection of resources to public safety and education efforts. In addition, it would help address the underground economy of unlicensed contractors and boost the competitiveness of licensed contractors.
Another item will assist in modernizing courtroom proceedings. We propose to repeal a section of the Barristers Act to remove an outdated and inconsistently applied courtroom procedure that prioritizes the cases of lawyers and does not recognize licensed paralegals.
As the Attorney General stated when we debated this legislation in second reading, this section of the act inadvertently discriminates against our youngest lawyers, since many of them would not have the seniority to go first.
Another proposal would benefit Ontarians by helping keep public lands for public use. Amendments to both the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act and the Public Lands Act would prevent people from claiming ownership of public lands by unlawfully occupying a space in a provincial park or conservation reserve. This would help ensure that lands remain available for public use and outdoor recreation. It would support our ongoing work to safeguard the environment and provide Ontarians with more opportunity to enjoy our provincial parks, get outside and boost their well-being.
Our final item would save people money, reduce administrative burdens and promote richer, stronger communities across Ontario. We are proposing to reduce barriers to police record checks for volunteers to boost a valuable source of talent for our communities and to save money for people looking to volunteer. This change means that volunteers requesting certain types of police record checks will no longer have to pay for them, reducing administrative time for police services and costs for prospective volunteers.
These are just some of the proposals in the Supporting People and Businesses Act. Through the 25 schedules, the act, if passed, will modernize significant statutes to remove unnecessary, outdated and duplicative regulations that get in the way of people and businesses in their everyday lives.
Toby Barrett MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk
Continuing the fight against bureaucratic red tape in Ontario
As the Legislature gears up to return February 16th, we will continue to do our best to assist Ontario business and individuals by getting government out of their way; one obstruction in particular comes to mind, red tape.
As I’ve said before, I think red tape’s only purpose is for wrapping Christmas gifts. But historically, red tape was a symbol of efficiency. Many believe that the term “red tape” originated with the Spanish administration of Charles V, King of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor, in the early 16th century.
King Charles used red tape to modernize the administration that was running his expansive empire. It was used to literally fasten the critical administrative files that needed immediate attention and separate them from issues that were treated in an ordinary way, which were bound with plain string.
European monarchs soon copied Charles V and found that using red tape sped up their processes. Hard to conceive that at one time, red tape was a way to speed things up. Nowadays it has the opposite effect. It fuels inefficiency.
As Ontario navigates the colossal challenge of Covid-19, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) awarded Ontario an A- grade in its annual Red Tape Report Card for efforts throughout 2020 to remove red tape and other barriers to small business.
Ontario has scored an A- grade for three consecutive years, which is the highest grade the province has ever received. The CFIB also improved the province’s grade for regulatory accountability, moving from a C to an A due to the increased transparency in burden reduction reporting.
Ontario’s 2020 Burden Reduction Report included for the first time a breakdown by ministry of progress made to reduce regulatory burdens on businesses as well as the passage of the province’s red tape reduction legislation in July, the Modernizing Ontario for People and Businesses Act, 2020.
Even though Covid-19 gets the headlines, as this excellent grade illustrates, our ministries are in full effect.
We are working hard under these stressors to fulfill the Ford government’s original mandate to modernize regulations and cut red tape to create an open business climate to attract investment and create jobs. These initiatives are the building blocks to help Ontario recover into an economy that benefits small business, families and individuals.
Ontario has also passed three high-impact burden reduction bills: the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act , the Main Street Recovery Act, 2020 and the Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, 2020. These are designed to remove regulatory roadblocks, support businesses and help government deliver clear and effective rules that promote public health and safeguard the environment without sacrificing innovation, growth and opportunity.
In March 2020, we launched Tackling the Barriers online portal, a tool to accept ideas on how government could provide flexibility or modernize to help businesses overcome the unique challenges created by COVID-19.
The portal proved fruitful and resulted in over 50 changes, including giving the green light to restaurants and bars to extend outdoor patios, making the sale of beer and wine with food takeout and delivery orders permanent, and capping delivery fees charged to restaurants.
This government has been successfully freeing Ontario from the difficult situation that red tape creates, and we will continue as we move through our recovery toward a progressive, prosperous, and modern society like Ontario.
Toby Barrett MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk
Now – If we could only have legislation passed that allows municipalities to decide if a mega landfill should be located within their borders. Oxford County that Ernie Hardeman represents have been held hostage since 2012 by a landfill proposal – Thousands of volunteers hours and over 1 million local tax dollars plus donations have been spent trying to ensure that the rehabilitation plan for the 300 foot deep spent quarry is implemented as was promised as a condition of the licence. Landfills in fractured limestone quarries are not interim rehabilitation – They are interim disasters
UPDATE A smarter, leaner government will put people first
Over my years as an elected representative, one of the key frustrations I hear from
people is with government waste-wasteful spending coupled with inefficiencies and
lack of results. It is time to look at the public service and the broader public sector through a results-driven lens-to find efficiencies, to remove duplication, and to maximize quality service.
Making government smarter is about embracing and implementing change, never operating under the assumption that the status quo is best, and looking towards innovation for potential solutions to challenges. Recently, Treasury Board President Peter Bethenfalvy addressed the Economic Club of Canada with plans to transform and modernize the work of the Ontario government. As he reiterated, the process and procedures of government have been operating largely unchanged and unchallenged. As businesses have modernized, updated and innovated, the business of government has lagged behind.
It is time to bring the language of business to the business of government. We need a smart, fiscally sustainable governing system-a system that puts people at the centre and a plan that transforms the culture of government… We must build smarter government.
When our government took office, we promised we would spend tax dollars wisely and clean up the fiscal mismanagement from the past decade. Whether it’s a household’s finances or a multi-billion-dollar provincial budget, the consequences of unsustainable spending cannot be avoided.
We’ve been working hard to reduce waste in government. For example, we took steps this year to curb the usual flurry of new spending at the end of the fiscal year-a practice called ‘March Madness.’
It’s time government took a lesson from business to make taxpayers’ lives easier, and government services more responsive. People recognize the business world has used technology to become more responsive to make the lives of consumers easier.
For example, we need to build a digital system that works for everyday people-a system that’s easy and effective. Such an approach has the potential to save millions. Phase one will put the top-ten most-used transactions at ServiceOntario online. You will be able to renew your driver’s licence or health card, update personal information, or register a business from your computer or cellphone, without ever leaving your house.
Every person online means one less person in line.
The proposal also protects face-to-face options for those Ontarians who still want or need to use them. We’re giving people options for a more convenient government. Estimates have shown that government spends approximately $29 billion every year to buy goods and services. Every week, Ontario families buy in bulk at places like Costco. Why can’t government do the same thing? From pacemakers to bandages, to computer and IT hardware, a modern and fully integrated procurement system will help drive savings of an estimated $1 billion each year.
Our new procurement strategies will encourage competition and innovation and seek to increase participation of businesses of all sizes, regardless of geographic location.
Or work will also include reviewing government office space to look at selling off unnecessary offices throughout the province. Taken together this is about smarter regulations, smarter process and smarter service delivery for everyone in Ontario.
Toby Barrett MPP Haldimand-Norfolk
UPDATE Cutting red tape to make it easier for agricultural and horticultural organizations
Ontario is working to reduce red tape for over 500 Ontario agricultural and
horticultural organizations. This fall, the Ontario government will introduce
legislation that, if passed, would save organizations and their volunteers’ time and
money by removing burdensome and outdated rules that regulate agricultural and
horticultural societies.
Fair boards and hort societies are essential in promoting fairs and beautifying small towns. This riding is home to six fairs. It’s my hope this proposed legislation will make it easier for the volunteers who organize these shows.
If passed, the proposed changes will save agricultural societies hundreds of dollars and volunteer hours by allowing notices of annual meetings to be e-mailed instead of mailed. This could reduce compliance costs for all organizations by over $100,000 a year.
Changes would also remove burdensome and outdated requirements that don’t apply to other not-for-profit organizations, such as requiring treasurers to give security for loss or for board members to be personally liable for loss. The proposed changes would not impact government grants and tax exemptions available to agricultural and
horticultural organizations.
QUICK FACTS
* There are over 500 agricultural and horticultural associations and societies in Ontario.
* Ontario’s first agricultural fair dates back to 1792 in Niagara-on-the-Lake. In 2018, over three million visitors attended agricultural fairs in Ontario.
* The Agricultural and Horticultural Organizations Act establishes province-wide direction for agricultural associations and agricultural and horticultural societies.
* More information on the proposed changes for agricultural and horticultural organizations is available on the Ontario government website http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/rural/returns/aghort.htm.
* These changes would build on the momentum of the Ontario government’s priority to tackle red tape and unnecessary burdens, including the passage of the Making Ontario Open for Business Act in November 2018, and the Restoring Ontario’s Competitiveness Act in April 2019.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
* Agricultural and Horticultural Organizations Act changes
* Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies
* Ontario Horticultural Association
For more information contact me, MPP Toby Barrett, at 519-428-0446 or email me via toby.barrett@pc.ola.org
Please mention The Silo when contacting.
It’s open season on red tape and high taxes.
As Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), the subject of hunting season often comes up. But as an MPP in the Doug Ford government, there’s another hunting season – red tape and high taxes are the quarry. And it’s now an open season.
This week in Toronto, as Parliamentary Assistant to MNRF, municipal delegations shared with me their concerns at ROMA – the Rural Ontario Municipal Association.
ROMA truly underscores the importance and influence of rural and small-town Ontario. And this isn’t lost on Premier Ford. In his speech to attendees, he recognized the significance of rural matters, because, as he said, “Our rural communities are the lifeblood of Ontario – the farmers, factory towns, workers, and small business owners. These hard-working folks put Ontario on the map.”
These hard-working folks are sick of working hard just to make ends meet, of wasteful spending, high taxation, and red tape.
We’re cutting red tape that duplicates, and is illogical and ill-founded. We’re working hard to make it easier for sectors like farming, manufacturing, and construction.
We have long known we are over-regulated. Ontario is the most regulated area in Canada. People are shocked to hear there are actually 380,000 regulations. How can business in Ontario survive hampered by 380,000 regulations in a highly-competitive world? It hobbles business and makes it near-impossible to expand or create jobs.
We’re chopping red tape by over 25 per cent. And that’s only the beginning. We need to return Ontario to its place as the economic engine of Canada, and empower rural communities to grow and prosper.
Cutting red tape also affects the cost of government and the culture of government. The culture was to tax people to death. That is quickly changing. An example is gasoline.
Rural people worry about gas prices. Driving isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. The Ontario government has listened and is putting money back in people’s pockets. Recent policy has reduced gas prices by five cents a litre.
Rural and small-town folks shared their hatred for the cap-and-trade carbon tax – described as simply the worst tax to be dumped on an overburdened population. So it was scrapped to save an average $260 a year in, for example, home heating costs.
We haven’t stopped with the carbon tax. Fees are being frozen for driving, fishing, and hunting.
We have also acted on natural gas, especially in farming communities. The message was clear, those in the country need natural gas. The previous government limited private sector involvement and tried a $100 million program run from a centralised Toronto bureaucracy. It didn’t work.
We are committed to enabling privately-funded natural gas expansion and making it easier to switch to cheaper natural gas. Expansion will include as many as 78 communities and 33,000 rural households. Natural gas bills will keep going down. That’s more money for families, businesses, and job creators.
Also, at the behest of rural municipalities, we are working to develop a sensible solution to the joint and several insurance liability chill, which can prevent everyday classic Canadian activities, like tobogganing or street hockey.
Finally, being a government that is always hunting for savings and tracking down unnecessary regulation, please share your ideas as the hunt continues.
Contact: toby.barrett@pc.ola.org Please mention The Silo when contacting.