The Provincial Government is delivering on its platform commitment to aggressively reduce red tape, eliminate unnecessary barriers and make it easier for businesses to grow and succeed in every region of Newfoundland and Labrador. As part of this commitment, the government has set a clear goal of achieving an A grade on the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) annual Red Tape Report Card.
Building on a year of significant progress in removing barriers and making government services more efficient and accessible, the Provincial Government is inviting businesses, communities, organizations and residents to help shape the next phase of Newfoundland and Labrador’s red tape reduction agenda. Province-wide consultations begin today, providing an opportunity to hear directly from those who interact with government programs, services and regulations, and identify practical ways to make government simpler, faster and easier to navigate.
Reducing red tape can make it easier for self-employed individuals and businesses to start, grow, and expand. Lowering administrative barriers and improving access to government services can help businesses spend more time creating jobs, investing in their communities and attracting the workers and families needed to support long-term population growth
Whether it is applying for a permit, accessing a particular program, meeting regulatory requirements, or starting and growing a business, the Provincial Government wants to know where the barriers are and where processes can be improved. Feedback will help identify practical solutions to further improve services, reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, strengthen response times, and create a stronger environment for investment and growth.
The public can participate in several ways. An online questionnaire can be completed on engageNL. Participants must create an account before responding if they do not already have one. Those who require an alternate format or prefer to provide a written submission are encouraged to email redtapereduction@gov.nl.ca. Written submissions may also be sent through regular mail to the address below:
Department of Government Services
P.O. Box 8700
2nd Floor, West Block
Confederation Building
St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6
The deadline for feedback through engageNL is Friday, November 20. A What We Heard report will be released following the consultations.
In-person stakeholder engagement sessions will also be held with businesses, municipalities and organizations throughout the province. Organized in partnership with the CFIB, the Board of Trade, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce and Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, these sessions will provide opportunities for direct discussion with those who navigate government processes every day.
These consultations represent more than a discussion about red tape. They are an opportunity to help shape a Provincial Government that works better, responds faster, and delivers services better. For residents, it means fewer hurdles and easier access to programs and services. For businesses, it means less time spent on paperwork and more time focused on growth, innovation and creating jobs. For communities, it means a more responsive government that supports local priorities and opportunities. And for Newfoundland and Labrador, it means building a more competitive and prosperous province for all of us.
This work is already underway. Through Budget 2026: Opportunity for All of Us, the Provincial Government established a dedicated Red Tape Reduction Office, appointed Newfoundland and Labrador’s first standalone Minister Responsible for Red Tape Reduction, created a Deputy Ministers’ Steering Committee to identify and advance opportunities to drive change across all government departments and introduced Bill 23, the Regulatory Improvement and Efficiency Act, earlier this week in the House of Assembly.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Government has advanced practical improvements that are already making life easier for residents and businesses including:
- Advanced a One Project, One Review approach with the Federal Government creating a more streamlined and predictable Environmental Assessment Process while maintaining strong environmental protections.
- Simplified the fish processing licence application process.
- Simplified the application process for home repair and accessibility programs and increased financial assistance for home repairs and accessibility improvements.
- Launched an online driver’s licence photo renewal service through MyGovNL.
The Provincial Government is also continuing to work with federal-provincial-territorial partners to reduce barriers to internal trade and strengthen the supply chains. This includes expanding direct-to-consumer alcohol sales, improving the movement of goods through greater alignment of trucking regulations, supporting labour mobility, advancing occupational health and safety harmonization, and creating new economic opportunities.
These actions are helping create a government that is easier to navigate, more responsive to the people it serves, and better positioned to support investment, job creation and economic opportunity throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. These actions represent meaningful progress toward the Provincial Government’s goal of transforming Newfoundland and Labrador from one of the lowest-ranked jurisdictions in Canada for red tape performance to one of the best from an F to an A in the CFIB’s annual Red Tape Report Card.
-30-
Quotes
“These consultations are about finding practical ways to make government work better – simpler, faster and more responsive. We want to hear directly from the businesses, municipalities, community organizations, and residents who use and navigate our services everyday so we can turn their experiences into meaningful action, making Newfoundland and Labrador a better place to live, work and do business.”
Honourable Lloyd Parrott
Minister of Government Services and Minister of Red Tape Reduction
“Municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador recognize the value of reducing red tape and creating more efficient government processes that support strong communities. We want to hear what’s working, what’s not, and where we can do better. The red tape reduction consultations are an opportunity for local governments to identify practical solutions that reduce barriers, improve service delivery and make it easier for communities and businesses to succeed. I encourage everyone to participate through the online questionnaire and municipalities to take part in the stakeholder sessions.”
Honourable Barry Petten
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs
“Newfoundland and Labrador is fortunate to have a vibrant business community delivering exceptional products and services across our province. We must ensure these businesses have the conditions they need to grow, invest and succeed. Removing unnecessary requirements, modernizing outdated regulations and addressing barriers to doing business will strengthen our economy, encourage investment and create a more competitive environment for businesses to thrive.”
AnnMarie Boudreau
Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Board of Trade
“Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to reducing red tape sends a strong signal that government wants business to succeed. By making regulatory reform a priority and working with employers on practical changes, the province can lower costs, accelerate approvals, and give companies the confidence to invest and hire. The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce welcomes that leadership and will work with government to deliver reforms that help businesses grow and communities thrive.”
Brandon Ellis
Vice-President, Policy and Government Relations, Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
“Newfoundland and Labrador is at a turning point. The province has an opportunity to reset its approach to regulation, rebuild accountability, and create a more competitive environment for entrepreneurs. We welcome government’s commitment to red tape reduction and look forward to quick and bold actions in the months ahead.”
Jonathan Galgay
Director of Legislative Affairs, Canadian Federation of Independent Business Newfoundland and Labrador
“Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador supports the Provincial Government’s efforts to reduce regulatory burdens, and its members are committed to doing the work to improve and progress local government. Any efforts to reduce the unnecessary administrative burden are welcomed as we work towards building stronger, more responsive communities. We look forward to working with the Provincial Government and key stakeholders as they develop red tape reduction strategies.”
Amy Coady
President, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador
Learn more
engageNL
Follow us on X @Gov_NL, @GS_GovNL and @MCA_GovNL
Like us on Facebook