Efforts to modernize and improve our province’s business landscape will be celebrated, as the Government of Prince Edward Island and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) proclaim January 19-23, 2015 Red Tape Awareness Week, says Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allen Roach.

“Red Tape Awareness Week is about making a difference and encouraging a national dialogue on what can be done to reduce unnecessary burdens on our business community,” said Minister Roach. “I'm very happy to proclaim January 19-23 Red Tape Awareness Week in Prince Edward Island. Our government is moving forward to reduce irritating red tape for Island businesses so that they can do what they do best: create jobs and economic growth.”

“It’s very encouraging to see government moving forward on red tape reduction,” said Erin McGrath-Gaudet, CFIB’s director for Prince Edward Island. “If business owners can spend less time completing paperwork or searching for the information that they need, that’s more time that they can put into growing their businesses. That’s economic development that doesn’t cost government a dime.”

Every year, CFIB designates a week in January as Red Tape Awareness Week to raise public awareness about the negative impacts of excessive regulations on small businesses and citizens and to recognize government efforts to reduce red tape.

“Recently we launched Project ART, our Addressing Red Tape initiative. Through this program our government is working to eliminate duplication, streamline government services and improve the business-to-government relationship,” said Minister Roach. “Part of Project ART is about meeting with businesses face to face to discuss matters that are truly important to them.”

The government of Prince Edward Island is committed to reducing unnecessary red tape for Island businesses. Project ART is a five year government-wide, business-to-government strategy which addresses Prince Edward Island’s economic and businesses competitive interests without compromising public health, safety or the natural environment.

This is the sixth year CFIB has promoted Red Tape Awareness Week; however, 2015 marks the first time Prince Edward Island has joined forces with the CFIB to proclaim this initiative, and acknowledge the province’s continued efforts to bring red tape issues to the attention of Islanders.

CFIB represents the interests of small businesses to all three levels of government in the areas of labour laws, reduction of regulatory paper burden and tax fairness. For more information on CFIB, visit their website www.cfib-fcei.ca.