File photo of the Alberta Legislature building. (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Province tables new red tape reduction legislation

Nov 4, 2021 | 3:10 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The province is continuing to focus on its efforts to reduce red tape.

Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction, Tanya Fir tabled the Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act, 2021 (No. 2) in the legislature Thursday.

She said that “the bill proposes changes to nine pieces of legislation brought forward by six departments.”

“These changes would contribute to Alberta’s economic growth and recovery by opening up new opportunities for businesses, removing redundant requirements and streamlining the delivery of government services, saving time and money for businesses and Albertans.”

Amendments included in the bill are:

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• Promoting economic growth through tourism and community revitalization by enabling municipalities to create entertainment districts, designated public areas where adults may responsibly consume alcohol.
• Supporting licensed cannabis retailers to grow their businesses by entering the online cannabis market.
• Allowing made-at-home beer, wine and cider to be served at private non-sale special events, so Albertans can enjoy homemade drinks at weddings or family reunions.
• Modernizing Alberta Human Rights Commission processes to address complaints more quickly, reduce backlogs and make tribunal hearings more accessible.
• Consolidating Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan rules in one piece of legislation to modernize language and improve clarity for industry and the public.
• Enabling more efficient regulation of Alberta’s credit union system by providing legislative authority for transferring oversight of Alberta Central to the Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation.
• Ensuring Crown mineral agreements are responsibly managed by enabling a faster and more efficient way to replace designated representatives.
• Giving the insurance industry the ability to set and change fees for activities related to the regulation of insurance professionals, such as examinations, licensing and continuing education.

Fir said that, “cutting red tape helps create the strong and stable business environment we need to boost job creation.”

“Given the hardship Albertans have faced over the last few years, it’s critical that we make it as easy as possible for businesses to operate, invest, create jobs and drive Alberta’s economic recovery.”

Fir noted that in the past year alone, the province has completed hundreds of red tape reduction initiatives that help job creators innovate, grow and create jobs for Albertans.

She added that in “two short years, with more than 18 per cent of red tape cuts, Albertans have already benefitted from a savings of over 1.2 billion dollars.”

The Government of Alberta has already passed four Red Tape Reduction Implementation Acts. The Red Tape Reduction Annual Report 2020-21 highlights initiatives that have had the highest impact for Albertans and businesses. It can be accessed here.