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In Regina, Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison told reporters what the idea is all about.

“That is kind of working through, grinding through, dozens, if not more regulations, and bringing those regulations into operation in such a way that you’re not having to dually comply in cases where it makes sense,” he said.

According to Harrison, the working group will be staffed by “senior officials” from within government, though it will check in with the private sector to seek input. He saidhis ministry already contains a red tape unit, which will take the lead in the joint effort.

Photo by BRANDON HARDER / Regina Leader-Post

NDP finance critic Trent Wotherspoon said his party supports efforts to reduce “redundancy and regulations where they might have duplication.”

But he also issued a warning: “You have to be careful who your dance partner is.”

“There’s nothing wrong with working with Ontario or any other province, certainly,” he said. “(But) Premier Ford approaches things like a blunt instrument, at times, and is pretty brash — and Saskatchewan people take a bit more pragmatic, practical approach.”

He said the NDP will watch the emergence of the working group “with a cautious eye,” for fear the Saskatchewan government will use it to tear down labour and environmental protections. Wotherspoon was especially worried about workplace inspections, he told reporters.

Harrison agreed that many regulations are there for good reason, and won’t be swept away. But he stressed that efforts to reconcile regulations can yield “significant” cost savings. He said he looks forward to following a similar approach with Alberta.