The federal government, through Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali, has released progress reports detailing nearly 500 ways in which departments are reducing bureaucratic obstacles to enhance efficiency. Ali emphasized that cutting red tape aligns with Canada’s priorities, such as expediting project reviews for economic growth and fostering partnerships with trading allies to facilitate quicker market access.
This initiative follows Prime Minister Mark Carney’s comprehensive review of regulations across departments, aiming to unleash Canada’s economic potential. Noteworthy achievements highlighted by the government include streamlining processes to accelerate infrastructure projects, expedite the market entry of pharmaceuticals and agricultural goods, and bolster international trade.
Prime Minister Carney has been advocating for expedited decision-making on major infrastructure projects within a two-year timeframe. To support this goal, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is revamping its procedures, simplifying templates, and striving to meet Carney’s targets.
Moreover, recent data indicates that since June 2024, 12 projects have entered the federal impact assessment process, with eight receiving early decisions in just over three months on average. The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) is also updating regulations on various activities, including energy exports and imports, to reduce approval requirements and shorten decision timelines for pipeline projects.
The government is leaning on international bodies for support, allowing Health Canada to recognize foreign regulatory authorizations for drug approvals. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is aligning with trusted foreign jurisdictions to expedite product assessments, while the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is amending regulations for international alignment and reduced customs requirements.
These regulatory enhancements are estimated to provide significant benefits to businesses and government savings. Transport Canada is also collaborating with global entities to ensure alignment with evolving standards, facilitating Canadian companies’ international operations.
Ali stated that the Red Tape Reduction Office, under the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, will continue working with regulators to advance these efforts and engage with provinces and territories for further collaboration.