Winnipeg, MB - A motion to be considered at this morning’s Executive Policy Committee (EPC) will seek to identify the top ten most outdated bylaws or regulations ripe for elimination or revision in order to make doing business in the city more efficient, Mayor Brian Bowman announced today.
“Growing Winnipeg and its economy means attracting new businesses and investment to our city, but it also means supporting existing businesses by finding ways to make it easier and more efficient to do business in, and with, the city,” said Mayor Brian Bowman.
The motion tasks the Office of Public Engagement to work with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, business owners, and other stakeholders to identify a top ten list of outdated bylaws or regulations that Council could consider for elimination or revision.
“CFIB is pleased to see the City of Winnipeg is focusing its attention to red tape reduction during Red Tape Awareness Week,” said Jonathan Alward, the Manitoba Director of Provincial Affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). “Searching out specific red tape irritants is an important part of the process and can help save the City’s business owners valuable time that they can instead spend on growing their businesses. We welcome this EPC motion and look forward to playing a role in finding ways to reduce red tape for Winnipeg entrepreneurs.”
The Mayor said red tape reduction is about removing regulatory requirements that are unfair, unclear, overly prescriptive, poorly designed, redundant, contradictory or antiquated in order to eliminate unnecessary barriers and promote economic development.
“We’ve made many improvements to customer service over the years,” said Mayor Bowman citing the annual Small Business Summit as well as the partnership with the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce which aimed to improve the city’s permitting process.
The Mayor said that while there have been efforts to reduce red tape and improve customer service over the last several years, it has often lacked focus and precision.
“The process initiated by this motion is intended to focus our collective efforts on generating a concrete list of very tangible ways Council can consider to help make doing business in and with the city more efficient,” said Mayor Bowman.
In recognition of the CFIB’s annual Red Tape Awareness Week this week, Mayor Bowman will be visiting various local businesses later this afternoon to listen and discuss ways to strengthen and improve Winnipeg’s business environment.