The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has reaffirmed Alberta’s position as the best place in Canada to live, work and do business, awarding the province top marks during Red Tape Reduction Week. Alberta’s government has received the prestigious Golden Scissors Award, the highest national honour for eliminating red tape. For the fourth consecutive year, Alberta also received an A grade for its ongoing commitment to cutting unnecessary regulations.
Since 2019, Alberta’s government has eliminated nearly 220,000 unnecessary regulatory requirements, saving Albertans and businesses more than $3 billion. The results of the report card reflect the province’s focus on making it easier to do business and invest across Alberta.
“We’re proud of our record and we’re always looking to make things better – and for good reason. Reducing red tape helps Alberta businesses, taxpayers and families save time and money to create jobs and grow their business.”
The CFIB awards also highlight Alberta’s nation-leading red tape reduction initiative, the Automatic Yes Toolkit, which speeds up and simplifies permit approvals by replacing unnecessary permits with clear rules and firm timelines that hold government accountable. As part of ongoing work to cut red tape, ministries are required to offset any new regulations by cutting existing ones, keeping red tape in check and creating a competitive, business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs and industry.
“Earning both an A grade and the Golden Scissors Award reflects not only a government that listens and takes action to reduce burden, but also one that is continuously innovating to make life easier for Albertans.”
Alberta’s government is always searching for red tape to cut and has put long-term measures in place to ensure progress continues. Red tape reduction is embedded across government, with ministries regularly reviewing rules and processes to ensure they remain efficient, necessary and responsive to the needs of Albertans and businesses.
Quick facts
- Of the more than 700 red tape reduction initiatives completed since 2019, 250 respond directly to red tape reduction ideas from public and industry recommendations.
- The province met its 33 per cent red tape reduction target in 2024.
- Alberta has passed 10 red tape reduction bills since 2019. The most recent, the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No.2), was passed in December 2025.