OTTAWA, October 15, 2007 — Today, as part of Small Business Week celebrations, the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), was given an award by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) to acknowledge the Government of Canada's leadership in reducing paper burden.
"I am pleased to accept this award on behalf of the government," said the Honourable Diane Ablonczy. "We are committed to making a 20-percent reduction in the administrative requirements and information obligations borne by small business. Reduction is about improving the efficiency of existing regulatory compliance rules, while maintaining the ability of Canada's statutes and regulations to protect the environment and the health and safety of Canadians."
"The CFIB is pleased to present this award in recognition of the federal government's commitment to reducing paper burden," said Garth Whyte, Executive Vice-President of the CFIB. "Paper burden is a major concern among our members, so we welcome the work that is underway to address this issue."
The Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) also noted that the government looks forward to continued collaboration with the CFIB and the Advisory Committee on Paperwork Burden Reduction, which have been instrumental in advancing this initiative.
Advantage Canada, Canada's long-term economic plan, committed to reducing the federal paperwork burden on business by 20 percent, which translates into the elimination of some 80,000 requirements and regulations in 13 key regulatory departments and agencies. This will be achieved by November 2008. Reducing paperwork burden is one of several initiatives that Canada's New Government is undertaking to create an Entrepreneurial Advantage for Canadians.
For more information, please contact:
Catherine Godbout
Office of the Honourable Diane Ablonczy
Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
613-990-4056
Media Relations
Industry Canada
613-943-2502
