Cutting costs and red tape puts us back in business

By MPP Toby Barrett

To The Haldimand Press

Before Christmas, Todd Smith, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, announced over 30 actions to cut red tape in Ontario. This included regulatory changes to cut costs for businesses, decreasing barriers across municipal and provincial jurisdictions, and increasing business access to government investment.

As well, Minister Smith announced another part of the Ontario Open for Business Action Plan—the Restoring Ontario’s Competiveness Act. If passed, this act will further eliminate red tape and burdensome regulation. The goal is to give businesses more flexibility, reduce costs, and to produce an environment where more jobs can be created right here at home.

Over the years, government has created many rules making it tough for businesses to compete.

The Ontario’s Toxics Reduction Act, for  example, is a bill that I fought tooth and nail during my time as environment critic. It requires businesses to report publicly on the use of certain toxic substances and chemicals and present a reduction plan every five years. However, the federal government also has a Chemicals Management Plan that requires facilities to undergo the same task of reporting their chemical use and reductions. Both governments require the same information.