Since 2019, Alberta’s government has saved Albertans and Alberta businesses more than $2.75 billion through red tape reduction. Proposed changes in the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 would ensure unnecessary red tape does not creep back into government so Albertans and Alberta businesses can continue to enjoy a fast and efficient process when dealing with government.
If passed, the act would further improve service delivery to Albertans by making the court system digitally accessible, supporting innovation in the transportation sector, improving access to important support programs and building on government’s momentum on cutting red tape. These changes would continue to save Alberta families and businesses time and money, with an estimated $1.5 million in annual savings.
“This is our eighth red tape bill, and it proves, once again, that when it comes to red tape reduction in this country, Alberta continues to lead. The changes we’re proposing will help Albertans and businesses by removing barriers, supporting new ideas and helping our economy thrive.”
The proposed legislation will improve court services, support a shift to fully digital justice solutions, and improve enforcement of regulatory offences by extending the limitation period – the timeframe for laying a charge – from six months to 12 months to allow for more comprehensive investigations into serious and complex regulatory offences.
“Providing more digital options increases access to justice and saves Albertans time and money. Allowing more time for investigations into offences will improve accountability in our justice system. I’m pleased these amendments are being proposed as part of our efforts to reduce red tape.”
“The extension of the limitation period to 12 months is a first step to uphold victims’ rights, and to hopefully prevent what happened to our family, and to several others across the province, from happening again. My hope is that from our family’s experience, and through this legislative change, there will be similar efforts by law enforcement on getting charges filed correctly and helping families like mine seek justice.”
Alberta’s government is committed to making sure vulnerable Albertans have access to the critical supports they need by proposing changes to the Income and Employment Supports Act. To ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable Albertans fleeing abuse and living in family violence shelters, proposed amendments will improve accessibility of important benefits to support them and their families.
“Simplifying the benefits system is a common-sense change which would ensure more individuals fleeing abuse receive the critical support they need. I’m pleased to see that these proposed amendments will help shelter operators, government staff and vulnerable Albertans focus on safety and well-being instead of excessive administration.”
Alberta’s government continues to support innovation across industries. Proposed amendments to the Traffic Safety Act will enable pilot projects that safely test new and innovative transportation technologies, such as autonomous vehicles, or to allow other vehicles, such as ATVs, to be used on specified roadways.
“With these proposed changes, Alberta’s government will work with municipalities on pilot projects leading to innovative uses of existing vehicles or new technologies to meet their transportation needs. This will reduce red tape for municipalities looking to allow the use of off-highway vehicles, such as golf carts or ATVs on municipal roads.”
Additional changes being proposed in the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 include:
- Enhancing legislative commitments to annual reporting on red tape reduction;
- Repealing outdated and unused legislation for rural utility infrastructure development;
- Clarifying roles and simplifying processes related to the Invest Alberta Corporation;
- Updating definitions related to public land use;
- Increasing the number of communities that can join an inter-municipal library board;
- Repealing pandemic-related commercial tenancies protections that have expired;
- Streamlining the hiring process for potential cannabis workers;
- Clarifying the authority of the government to make policy decisions related to the gaming, liquor and cannabis sectors;
- Enabling efficiencies that will result in quicker reviews of claims made under the Vehicle Seizure and Removal Program; and
- Supporting efforts to bring counsellors under the regulatory oversight of the College of Alberta Psychologists.
Quick facts
- Alberta’s government reached its commitment to reduce red tape by 33 per cent in January 2024.
- Alberta is consistently recognized as a top red tape reduction performer by the Canadian Federation for Independent Business (CFIB) and received a grade of A from the CFIB in 2024.
- Red tape reduction efforts have so far saved Albertans and Alberta businesses at least $2.75 billion, as shown in the latest Red Tape Reduction annual report 2022-2023.
Related information
- Cut Red Tape
- Implementing Red Tape Reduction
- Bill 16: Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2024
- Red tape industry panels
- 2022-23 Red Tape Reduction Annual Report
Related news
- Alberta remains open for business (February 2, 2024)
- Alberta scores another A for red tape reduction (January 31, 2024)
- Winning the battle against red tape (January 29, 2024)
- Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction mandate letter (July 24, 2023)