For immediate release March 24, 2005 Ottawa - March 24, 2005 - Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, today announced the Government of Canada's plan to implement a regulatory renewal initiative called Smart Regulation. The announcement is supported by the release of the first edition of the Smart Regulation Report on Actions and Plans and the launch of the government's regulation Web site. "Smart Regulation understands that we cannot continue to do things as they have always been done; that in today's world, regulation can-and must-become a competitive advantage and a key instrument for achieving our social, environmental and economic objectives," said Minister Alcock. "Smart Regulation sees the bigger picture, understands the wider trends and positions Canada to succeed in the years ahead". Smart Regulation is a collaborative effort of all federal regulatory departments and agencies, the provinces and territories, Aboriginal communities, and municipalities to create better regulations that advance the health, safety, environment, social interests, and economic well being of Canadians. Stemming in part from the growing pressures on Canada's existing regulatory framework-such as rapid scientific and technological advancements, global markets, and cross-boundary health and environmental risks-the goal of Smart Regulation is to safeguard the health and safety of Canadians, ensure a clean environment, and create conditions ripe for an innovative and competitive economy. For example, a smart regulatory system will ease or reduce the regulatory burden on small- and medium enterprises (SMEs), and enable this key engine of economic growth to focus on what it does best. A cornerstone of the implementation plan is improved "regulatory governance" and better cooperation and coordination among federal departments and with other levels of government. "We want to avoid situations where a new regulation or policy is introduced, only to find that it conflicts with that of another department or jurisdiction," said Minister Alcock. The Smart Regulation Report on Actions and Plans describes the government's plan for implementation of Smart Regulation as a government-wide initiative, and highlights many of the regulatory initiatives already underway by departments and agencies. It will be periodically updated in order to report on progress. The report is available on the new Web site dedicated to regulatory renewal - www.regulation.gc.ca. - 30 - For more information, contact: Lise Jolicoeur Press Secretary Office of the President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board (613) 957-2666 Hali Gernon Communications and consultations Privy Council Office (613) 957-5420 If there is a discrepancy between any printed version and the electronic version of this news release, the electronic version will prevail. TTY (Telecommunications device for the hearing impaired) ¿ (613) 957-9090
