MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT LAUNCHES PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS ON PROPOSED NEW WILDFIRE ACT

The Ministry of Environment will be hosting a series of open meetings seeking public input on proposed new legislation called “The Wildfire Act” to replace The Prairie and Forest Fires Act, 1982, one of the oldest pieces of fire legislation in Canada, which has not kept pace with current wildfire practices.

The new legislation promotes the government goals of sustainable economic growth and ensuring public safety in the following areas:

• Increases efficiency and reduction of administrative requirements;
• Places responsibility, appropriately shared by government with individuals, stakeholders or other jurisdictions;
• Enhances protection for public safety and the environment;
• Clarifies responsibility for wildfire administration and suppression within municipal jurisdictions;
• Enhances prevention initiatives within wildland urban interface areas; and
• Administers industrial and commercial operations under a results based regulatory framework.

The ministry began consultations within government in March 2012 and is now embarking on extensive public consultation meetings during the months of May and June with stakeholders, First Nations and Métis people, industry, municipalities, communities and the public in general.

“The Ministry of Environment is moving forward to address long-needed changes to the current legislation,” Environment Minister Dustin Duncan said. “I encourage the public and stakeholders to actively participate in the review process and work with the province to develop new and modernized legislation.”

Public meeting are not being scheduled during peak wildfire season. Consultations with northern communities will resume in September.

Discussion papers highlighting key changes within the Act and information on the Provincial Wildfire program are available on the Ministry of Environments website at www.environment.gov.sk.ca.

Comments and questions can be directed to Del Phillips at del.phillips@gov.sk.ca or 306-953-3473.

Public input sought on proposed health privacy legislation

WHITEHORSE—The Government of Yukon is moving to provide greater protection of Yukoners’ personal health information and is seeking input from residents on how to do that.

New legislation is being proposed and Yukoners are invited to comment on the ways the legislation will protect privacy and help health care workers and government provide improved health services.

“There are very important reasons why an individual’s personal health information needs to be appropriately shared among doctors, nurses, pharmacists or other health care providers. This can help save lives or make treatment easier,” Health and Social Services Minister Doug Graham said today in announcing the consultation. “However, our government is very aware of the need to share this information in a way that protects the privacy of individuals and provides them with more control over their information.”

The department is seeking public input on proposed health privacy legislation that is intended to balance protecting personal privacy of Yukoners with the need to appropriately share personal health information, so that Yukoners receive the highest level of care possible.

The feedback received will help shape the legislation and ensure it has the appropriate balance between an individual’s right to privacy and the needs of health care providers and government. In this instance, health care provider refers not only to doctors and nurses, but may also include other health professionals such as dentists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and optometrists. The public input process will also explore which other health care providers should be included in this legislation.

“This legislation will create the framework for initiatives, such as the development of electronic health records,” Graham added. “Having this legislation in place will make it easier to introduce electronic health systems such as a drug information system.”

Most Canadian jurisdictions have similar laws in place or under development that protect health information. The proposed Yukon legislation will bring Yukon in line with other jurisdictions.

All Yukoners are encouraged to provide feedback. A discussion document explaining the key issues in the proposed legislation can be downloaded from the Health and Social Services website. A printed copy can be obtained by calling 867-667-5747. Comments will be received until July 31.

Discussion papers released with recommendations for new standards for the oil and natural gas industry

FREDERICTON (GNB) – A discussion paper containing 116 recommendations designed to ensure the responsible environmental management of New Brunswick’s oil and natural gas industry was released today. The recommendations include proposals to complement the province’s existing regulatory framework.

“The proposals contained in this discussion paper would make our existing regulations even stronger and would ensure we are prepared if the industry expands in our province,” said Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup. “Our government is committed to maintaining responsible resource development and we look forward to receiving constructive feedback on these recommendations from New Brunswickers.”

The discussion paper, entitled Responsible Environmental Management of Oil and Gas Activities in New Brunswick, is organized according to a set of 12 principles announced by the provincial government late last year. The principles address a full range of oil and gas activities from exploration to well abandonment.

A second discussion paper was also released related to the sharing of financial benefits associated with the potential development of the natural gas industry.

Northrup also announced plans for legislative changes affecting the province’s royalty regime and penalties for violations of the Oil and Natural Gas Act.

The measures in the plan for Responsible Environmental Management of Oil and Gas Activities in New Brunswick focus on:

●    protecting water and the environment; and
●    protecting communities and landowners.

“We want to ensure we do everything possible to protect our environment and the people of New Brunswick when it comes to the potential expansion of the oil and gas industry,” said Environment and Local Government Minister Bruce Fitch.

The provincial government will receive comments on the discussion papers until July 18. Details of a related citizen engagement tour planned for June will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We look forward to hearing from New Brunswickers on this detailed plan,” Northrup said. “Extensive work has gone into creating these recommendations and they represent a solid, responsible environmental management plan for our province.”

Northrup said he looks forward to ongoing dialogue with New Brunswickers on the issue of oil and gas exploration and development.

Fitch said the discussion document acknowledges the importance of continuous improvement and said the requirements it contains can be strengthened as necessary in the future as new information, technologies and best management practices become available.

Following are highlights of the discussion paper. Its full content can be viewed online.

Protecting and managing water

Proposed measures include:

●    mandatory pre-seismic well water testing, which was first announced June 23, 2011, and post-seismic water well testing;
●    mandatory pre-drilling well water testing, also announced June 23, 2011, and post-drilling well water testing;
●    appropriate set-backs between oil and gas facilities and water supplies, wetlands, and watercourses;
●    establishing surface water and groundwater monitoring requirements;
●    establishing requirements for monitoring of petroleum wells for leaks, corrosion or deterioration;
●    establishment of a hierarchy of preferred water sources for hydraulic fracturing. For example, use of recycled waste water must be considered first;
●    mandatory assessments of proposed water sources that consider the needs of other water users, including ecological needs;
●    water use reporting by the operators of oil and gas activities; and
●    strategic water use planning.

Oil and gas well integrity and waste management

Proposed measures include:

●    enhanced casing and cementing standards for oil and gas wells;
●    assessment of geological containment prior to hydraulic fracturing;
●    pressure testing of equipment prior to hydraulic fracturing;
●    mandatory waste management plans that will require the chemical analysis of all wastes and approval of disposal locations before wastes leave the site;
●    requiring the use of “closed loop” (no open pits) systems for handling drill fluid, and the use of closed containers for receiving backflow water;
●    requiring petroleum operators to follow waste management guidelines that address such issues as flowback water and naturally occurring radioactive materials;
●    requiring petroleum operators to implement measures to prevent spills and leaks, and ensure notification and response protocols are in place should spills and leaks occur;
●    imposing chemical management requirements for fracture fluids and other chemicals; and
●    setting standards for storage tanks and containers, including mandatory leak detection systems and secondary containment.

In addition to the above measures, the discussion document contains recommendations for addressing a variety of issues, including air emissions, noise and visual impact, and emergency planning. The document re-affirms the provincial government’s commitment to having companies publicly disclose the contents of fluids used in hydraulic fracturing and enhancing public access to information about oil and gas activities.

Revenue sharing discussion paper

Northrup also released for public comment the discussion paper on sharing financial benefits associated with the development of the natural gas industry.

“On June 23, 2011, we announced our intention to develop a program to share the royalties from natural gas activities with landowners who host a producing well on their property as well as with nearby communities,” said Northrup. “Under our proposed program, a property owner would receive one half of one per cent of the royalty on natural gas collected by the province. As well, a total of two per cent of the royalty collected by the province will be shared with municipalities and local service districts within a 25-kilometre radius of the centre of a producing well pad. This funding will be available to support infrastructure projects.”

Comments on the proposed revenue sharing program should be submitted by July 18. The citizen engagement tour planned for June will also receive comments on the revenue-sharing discussion paper.

Royalty regime

The provincial government would maintain its current royalty rate for natural gas at 10 per cent, as a minimum, but would introduce an economic profit royalty of 40 per cent of the profit from a resource investment.

“The current 10 per cent royalty ensures a minimum payment to the province but, on its own, does not capture the true value of the resource as prices increase,” said Northrup. “Adding an economic profit component ensures that the province would maximize revenue as prices increase or as projects mature.”

The basic royalty component of 10 per cent for natural gas is based on the actual selling price or fair market value at the time and place of production, less deductions. Deductions include processing costs to make the gas transportable and the costs of transporting the gas to the consumer markets. The deductions are unchanged.

For the economic profit royalty component, the allowable costs will include the gas field processing costs, transportation costs, capital costs, an overhead allowance and an accepted investment allowance.

Stronger penalties

Northrup said he will be introducing legislative changes to increase penalties that can be levied against a company that violates the Oil and Natural Gas Act.

According to existing legislation, fines of between $640 and $10,400 are applicable for most violations. The maximum penalty under the proposed changes would be $1 million.

As well, the Department of Natural Resources would be empowered to impose the penalties. At present, a charge must be laid in provincial court and penalties imposed by a judge.

Northrup said the legislative changes pertaining to the imposition of penalties and changes to the royalty regime will be made in the fall session of the legislature.

LINK:

●    Discussion paper: www.gnb.ca/naturalgas

 B.C. launches Columbia River Treaty Review consultation

VICTORIA – The Province will consult with First Nations and residents of the Columbia River Basin to ensure regional interests help shape the future of the Columbia River Treaty.

The provincial Columbia River Treaty 2014 Review will conduct economic, environmental, social, financial, legal and hydrological analyses in order to make a decision on whether to continue, amend or terminate the Columbia River Treaty with the United States.

As part of the Review, the Province in collaboration with the Columbia River Treaty Local Governments’ Committee and Columbia Basin Trust is holding seven information sessions and consultation workshops in Jaffray, Creston, Nakusp, Castlegar, Valemount, Golden and Revelstoke from May 29 to June 20, 2012: www.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty

Further consultations are planned for fall 2012 and separate consultations with First Nations will also be conducted over the same period.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines –

“The Columbia River Treaty has brought flood control, power generation and economic benefits to British Columbia.”

“We want to hear from people who live in the Columbia Basin. Residents can help shape the future of the treaty by providing input in person at our spring and fall community meetings, through a website or by mail.”

Bill Bennett, MLA Kootenay East –

“We need people to know that we’re listening – because we really are. It’s essential that we shape the future of the treaty and the basin with input from all those who are involved.”

“Our government is using feedback from British Columbians in a way that’s never been seen before and that is a trademark of our administration. It’s important people are aware of that.”

Deb Kozak, Columbia River Treaty Local Governments’ Committee chair and councillor, City of Nelson –

“The spring information sessions will include an open house, a chance to discuss issues with experts, and a free dinner so people can continue talking and sharing ideas before taking part in the consultation with the Province.”

Garry Merkel, Columbia Basin Trust Board chair –

“Columbia Basin Trust’s primary role is to act as a resource for basin residents and local governments. That’s why we’re working with the Columbia River Treaty Local Governments’ Committee and the Province to ensure this region and its residents are informed and actively engaged in Treaty-related issues.”

Learn More:

• Learn more about the Columbia River Treaty Review and submit your questions/ideas at: www.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty
• Find out more about the Columbia River Treaty from Columbia Basin Trust at: www.cbt.org/crt

A backgrounder follows.

Contacts:

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect

BACKGROUNDER

Columbia River Treaty Review

About the Columbia River Treaty

• The Columbia River Treaty is an internationally respected water management agreement between Canada and the United States.
• The Columbia River Treaty was conceived to provide measures to prevent catastrophic flooding on both sides of the border and to optimize power generation along the Columbia River and the Kootenay River.
• Over the years, agreements under the Columbia River Treaty have addressed additional values such as managing water flow for fish and for recreation.
• The Columbia River Treaty has no end date. However, the treaty can be terminated on or after Sept. 16, 2024, provided that either Canada or the United States has given at least 10 years notice of their intention to terminate.
• Government agencies in both Canada and the United States are reviewing the benefits and future options of the Columbia River Treaty after 2024.

Columbia River Treaty 2014 Review

• The Ministry of Energy and Mines Columbia River Treaty 2014 Review Team is leading the Province’s review of the Columbia River Treaty.
• The team will conduct economic, environmental, social, financial, legal and hydrological analyses in order to make a decision on whether to continue, amend or terminate the Columbia River Treaty.
• As part of the review, the Province will consult with First Nations and residents of the Columbia River Basin to ensure regional perspectives, values, and interests shape the future of the Columbia River Treaty.
• The Province will provide feedback on how the input received was considered and used.

How can Columbia River Basin residents become involved in the Treaty Review?

• There are a number of ways for basin residents to become involved in the Columbia River Treaty 2014 Review:
  • Columbia River Treaty Review website: www.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty
  • Evening consultation workshops are planned for the following locations and dates:
    • Jaffray, May 29
    • Creston, May 30
    • Nakusp, June 5
    • Castlegar, June 6
    • Valemount, June 13
    • Golden, June 19
    • Revelstoke, June 20
    • Further consultation workshops will be scheduled for this fall.

Contacts:

Province Releases Mental Health and Addictions Strategy

More children and youth will be able to get help for mental health concerns in schools, and more Nova Scotians will get treatment for drug addictions as a result of the province’s first mental health and addictions strategy.

Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald today, May 16, released a government-wide five-year strategy with 33 actions and a $5.2 million investment this year.

“Nova Scotians living with mental illness and addictions, and their families, deserve better care sooner, as well as the supports they need to live healthier lives,” said MacDonald. “I’m very proud to release our plan, and I look forward with enthusiasm to the positive results it will have on mental health and addictions care in our province.”

Key actions include:
– putting mental health clinicians in SchoolsPlus families of schools in all school boards to identify and treat mental health problems of children and youth earlier
– funding community agency projects that help Nova Scotians of all ages living with mental illness and addictions
– expanding opioid replacement treatment to areas of the province with the greatest need
– expanding provincewide the successful Strongest Families program, which provides telephone coaching to families that have children with behavioral or anxiety difficulties
– expanding peer support to help people with mental illness transition successfully from hospital to community
– expanding the toll-free crisis line across the province to ensure that people with mental health and addiction concerns are able to talk to someone immediately

Together We Can: The Plan to Improve Mental Health and Addictions Care for Nova Scotians meets a key commitment under Better Care Sooner to improve services for people throughout Nova Scotia.

“As co-chair of the Mental Health and Addictions Strategy Advisory Committee, I am pleased to see the minister responding to the recommendations we provided her,” said Dr. Michael Ungar, internationally recognized social worker and family therapist. “The strategy puts into action many of our highest priorities, setting the province on an ambitious five-year plan to change the way mental health and addictions services are provided and communities and families supported.

“It is especially satisfying to see the government putting resources into expanding services for children and youth, early intervention, and efforts to address stigma which, when combined with better, more accessible treatment, will significantly improve mental health and addictions services in Nova Scotia.”

The recommendations of the Mental Health and Addictions Strategy Advisory Committee, which released its report, Come Together, on April 23, helped develop the five-year plan.

The committee heard from more than 1,200 Nova Scotians and reviewed research, best practices and lessons learned. The committee, appointed in fall 2010, is 14 people with personal and professional experience in mental health and addictions.

To view the plan, visit gov.ns.ca/health/mhs/mental-health-addiction-strategy.asp .

Special committee to examine mid-term timber supply

VICTORIA – Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson applauded today’s decision of the Legislative Assembly to form a Special Committee on Timber Supply to examine and make recommendations about mid-term timber supply in British Columbia, as a result of the mountain pine beetle infestation.

The committee will be conducting public consultations and has been asked to deliver a report by Aug. 15 this year.

The committee’s terms of reference are to specifically consider recommendations that could increase timber supply, including direction on the potential scope of changes to land-use objectives, rate of harvest and conversion of volume-based tenures to area-based tenures. The committee will also consider whether any changes to legislation are required.

In making its recommendations, the committee will need to consider the Province’s commitment to balance the budget and maintain competitive electricity rates; the need to maintain high environmental standards and protect critical wildlife habitat; orderly transition for communities to lower harvest levels; maintain a competitive forest industry; First Nations’ titles and rights; and the softwood lumber agreement and other trade agreements.

The committee is expected to hold its first meeting this week to elect its chair, develop a work plan and a schedule for public consultations.

The members of the Special Committee on Timber Supply are:

• John Rustad, MLA Nechako Lakes (convenor)
• Donna Barnett, MLA Cariboo-Chilcotin
• Eric Foster, MLA Vernon-Monashee
• Ben Stewart, MLA Westside-Kelowna
• Harry Bains, MLA Surrey-Newton
• Norm Macdonald, MLA Columbia River-Revelstoke
• Bill Routley, MLA Cowichan Valley

The committee will be supported by a technical advisory committee that will include former provincial chief foresters Larry Pedersen and Jim Snetsinger.

Quote:

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations –

“The issue of mid-term timber supply is of vital importance to not only the communities in the mountain pine beetle infested area, but to the province as a whole, given the importance of forestry as a key economic driver.”

“I’m pleased that it is a special legislative committee that will meet government’s commitment to public engagement on this issue.”

Quick Facts:

• Since 2001, the provincial government has committed $884 million to battle the mountain pine beetle and mitigate its impacts.
• The current mountain pine beetle infestation is the largest in North America’s recorded history. An estimated 18.1 million hectares – an area more than five times the size of Vancouver Island – have been affected to some degree by the mountain pine beetle.

• Since the current infestation began, the mountain pine beetle has killed an estimated cumulative total of 710 million cubic metres of timber.
• The latest computer-modelling projections indicate about 58 per cent of the pine volume in the province may be killed by 2021. This is significantly less than the 80 per cent pine-kill that was projected six years ago.

Learn More:

 About parliamentary committees: www.leg.bc.ca/cmt/index.htm

About the mountain pine beetle infestation: www.gov.bc.ca/pinebeetle

Canada and U.S. to Consult on Facilitating Cross-Border Business

Washington, May 14, 2012 — Today Canada’s Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced joint consultations with stakeholders on cross-border business—increasing efforts to facilitate business travel between the United States and Canada.

As outlined in the United States-Canada Beyond the Border Action Plan, announced by President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Stephen Harper in December 2011, the joint consultations will aim to 1) receive comments on the implementation of commitments included in the Action Plan and 2) identify and assess new ways to facilitate cross-border business travel in the short and medium terms.

“This Government’s top priority remains jobs, growth and long-term prosperity,” said the Honourable Vic Toews, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety. “These consultations will help improve cross-border trade and bring greater economic benefits to both Canada and the United States.”

“Billions of dollars worth of goods and hundreds of thousands of people cross our shared border every day. We want to hear directly from businesses on both sides of the border about how cross-border business travel could improve. We especially want to hear fresh ideas,” said Minister Kenney.

“DHS is committed to working with our Canadian partners to facilitate cross-border business, strengthening the economies of both our countries,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Through these joint consultations, we will receive direct feedback from businesses on how we can improve travel and trade at the border.”

Secretary Napolitano today attended the first joint consultation between representatives from several major companies and industry associations in Washington. Minister Kenney will attend the joint consultation in Toronto on May 24. Consultations will be facilitated by the Migration Policy Institute—a non-profit, non-partisan think tank based in Washington, D.C. Stakeholder comments regarding commitments made by the Canadian and U.S. governments to facilitate the conduct of cross-border business in the Action Plan, as well as recommendations for additional improvements, will also be accepted online starting today, until June 15, 2012.

A report on this process will be distributed to stakeholders and will be available on the DHS and Citizenship and Immigration Canada websites once consultations have been completed.

May 8, 2012
New Cabinet team focused on growing Alberta’s future
New structure to change the way government does business
Edmonton… Premier Alison Redford has named a new Cabinet team that will help bring about the change that Albertans recently voted for.

“This restructuring is about achieving our goals and aligning our workforce with the priorities of this government,” Redford said. “This new Cabinet structure allows us to focus on the things that matter most to Albertans – a strong fiscal framework, caring for our most vulnerable citizens, promoting our resources, and solid consultation processes that ensure Albertans are heard.”

“We have a good mix of new and experienced MLAs. This is a team that is committed to the positive, constructive plan that we put forward during the election campaign that will help to build Albertans’ future.”

A significant change is the position of Deputy Premier. The new Deputy Premier, who will not be responsible for a Ministry, will be chairing the Operations Policy Committee, which will ensure that policies reflect Albertans’ needs and that government consults regularly with Albertans.

“Thomas Lukaszuk will give a unique energy to the role of Deputy Premier and will help successfully drive the political agenda for this new government.”

This streamlined structure will allow Doug Horner, President of Treasury Board & Minister of Finance, to focus on one of the Premier’s main priorities: results-based budgeting.

“Results-based budgeting is an important initiative for this government. Albertans expect their government to treat their tax dollars with the same care and respect they do,” said Redford. “We will scrutinize all costs, challenge automatic growth in spending, and invest funds where we know they are going to make a positive difference in the lives of Albertans and their communities.”

The new Cabinet will take the helm of a revitalized government structure that will target three priority areas:

• Investing in Families and Communities – Supporting healthy and strong families and communities is an investment in Albertans and Alberta’s future.

• Securing Alberta’s Economic Future – Making strategic investments in both human capital and infrastructure to strengthen Alberta, grow our knowledge-inspired economy, and improve Alberta’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.

• Advancing World-leading Resource Stewardship - Developing our natural resources responsibly to protect our environment and grow our markets.

The new structure also includes:

• Under the Minister of Service Alberta, an Associate Minister is responsible for Accountability, Transparency and Transformation, which will review Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP) and oversee the change in the way the Government of Alberta does business.

• Seniors is moving to the Ministry of Health to enhance continuity in the short and long-term care of Alberta’s aging population.

• Sustainable Resource Development and Environment are consolidating.

• Justice and Solicitor General are one under the Ministry of Justice & Solicitor General.

• Aboriginal relations will have its own ministry, and their first priority is to finish the review of the First Nations Consultation Policy.

• PDD and AISH are now under Human Services.

Premier Redford will chair her first Cabinet Meeting after the swearing-in by Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor on May 8 at Government House. Steve Young has also been named Government Whip.

“Albertans have put their trust in us and going forward, we will demonstrate beyond a doubt that our government will be the change that Albertans are looking for,” Redford said.

Redford also announced the appointment of seven associate ministers who will reflect the Premier’s priorities and membership in the government’s renewed committee structure.

Backgrounders: List of Cabinet members in order of precedence, government structure and committees

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Kim Misik
Manager, Media Relations
Office of the Premier
780-422-4905
Cell: 587-985-9856
kim.misik@gov.ab.ca

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

May 8, 2012

Premier Redford’s cabinet team

Edmonton…Below is the Cabinet named on May 8 by Premier Alison Redford, listed in order of precedence.

May 8, 2012

Associate Ministers named

Edmonton…Alberta Premier Alison Redford named the following Associate Ministers on May 8.

May 8, 2012

Changes to government structure

Edmonton…Premier Alison Redford announced the following government structure on May 8:

May 8, 2012

Government of Alberta committee structure and members

Edmonton…Premier Redford named the following members to these government committees on May 8:

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Kim Misik
Manager, Media Relations
Office of the Premier
780-422-4905
Cell: 587-985-9856
kim.misik@gov.ab.ca

QUEBEC CITY, April 23, 2012  – Following the introduction in January 2012 Report on the Audet regulatory and administrative simplification, the Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, Minister responsible for the region the National Capital, Mr. Sam Hamad, announced the adoption of 63 recommendations of the Working Group on the regulatory and administrative simplification.

“Our government is an ally of Québec companies that want to conquer new markets, to boost performance and create jobs. Today, despite the economic challenges facing all governments, Quebec is still pulling out of the game for our businesses remain competitive, we must create a business environment favorable to their development. For contractors, time is the most valuable commodity and regulation and red tape remain a major concern. The adoption of all recommendations of the Working Group demonstrates our desire to make life easier for businesses, “said Minister Hamad.

Recall that in January 2012, the Working Group on the regulatory and administrative simplification, created Jan. 12, 2011 and chaired by former Minister of Finance, Michel Audet tabled its report containing 63 recommendations to reduce the regulatory and administrative burden of enterprises.

The Minister responsible for Government Administration and Chair of Treasury Board, Michelle Courchesne, has welcomed the announcement that will provide businesses with the support they need. “Quebec companies are at the heart of Quebec’s economic development. Our government is taking the means to simplify their management. Through the Government portal area businesses, we offer a multitude of online services such as tax deductions and employer contributions or the production of the initial declaration of a corporation. This allows companies to reduce their administrative costs and be more productive, “she said.

Creation of a monitoring committee

To follow up recommendations, a committee will be established. Chaired by the Minister Hamad, it will consist of:

Françoise Bertrand, president and CEO of the Federation of Quebec Chambers of Commerce;
Yves-Thomas Dorval, president of the Quebec Employers Council;
Martine Hébert, Vice-President, Quebec, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business;
Gaston Lafleur, president and CEO of the Quebec Council of retailing;
Simon Prevost, president of the Quebec Manufacturers and Exporters.

Overall, the committee will be mandated:

to report annually to the Council of Ministers of the progress of recommendations;
propose ways to disseminate the results achieved with the population, especially the business community;
of departments and agencies receive any analysis or recommendations regarding the case studies and the statement of the obligations undertaken by the Working Group on the regulatory and administrative simplification;
to suggest, if necessary, appropriate remedial action.

The report’s recommendations Audet, which will ensure the monitoring committee, are grouped into four areas:

Axis 1: Better Regulation, which consists of recommendations to renew during the next year, government policy on the regulatory and administrative streamlining.
Axis 2: Contain the administrative burden, which deals with the objective of reducing by 20% the cost of paperwork.
Axis 3: Concrete proposals affecting business, dealing with the simplification affecting eGovernment, the administration of taxation, environmental compliance, the formalities in the field of labor and labor , delivery of services to businesses and restructuring programs and tax credits.
Axis 4: Facilitating business start-up whose proposals are intended to simplify business registration and start-ups to improve support for entrepreneurs.

To read the report Audet, visit www.mce.gouv.qc.ca/allegement/documents/rapport-groupe-sra-decembre-2011.pdf.