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This article was published 23/1/2017 (1333 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba Progressive Conservatives say they will adopt a unique solution for reducing red tape.

Deputy premier Heather Stefanson said Monday the PCs would introduce legislation this spring that would require government to eliminate a regulatory obligation every time a new one is implemented. The legislation is a first for Canada.

In fact, until 2021, the province plans to eliminate two regulations for each one introduced. After that, the elimination would be on a one-to-one basis.

Stefanson made the promise as the government marked the beginning of Red Tape Awareness Week.

"Our government is committed to reducing unnecessary barriers for businesses, local governments, non-profit organizations and all Manitobans," Stefanson said.

"We want to make sure we remove unnecessary administrative burdens so Manitobans can access the services they need in order to make important contributions to their businesses and communities without the frustration of long waits or confusing instructions," she said.

She said the initiative would cap the growth of regulatory requirements.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business applauded the commitment.

"We’re delighted to see the Manitoba government make this landmark announcement and become the first province to commit to legislate a one-for-one law," said Laura Jones, the CFIB's executive vice-president and chief strategic officer.

"There is nothing better than seeing a province go from a laggard to a leader on reducing red tape. Manitoba is now the province to watch on regulatory accountability," she said in a prepared statement.

The proposed legislation would also allow government to better track regulatory requirements, redesign approval and review processes to provide additional transparency and require more detailed analysis before regulations are put in place, Stefanson said.

"People across the province have told us that red tape prevents them from growing their businesses," said Stefanson.

NDP finance critic James Allum panned the government announcement.

"Just like (Premier Brian) Pallister’s so-called review of regulations in the 1990s, this announcement is for show, not about substance – there is no need for a government to legislate this rule. By introducing such a law, the Pallister government is potentially hamstringing itself or any future government by forcing it to eliminate regulations merely for the sake of show."

Allum said the proposed measure would also introduce unnecessary delays in the process of changing regulations – creating more bureaucratic work rather than actually helping small businesses.

"Well-designed regulations can protect workers, consumers and help business grow and prosper," he said. "This approach does not properly take into account its consequences and does not meet the needs of Manitoba workers, consumers or business owners.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca