Joint Regulatory and Service Effectiveness Office
To make dealing with government easier, faster and less frequent, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are establishing a new, lean joint Regulatory and Service Effectiveness Office. The joint office will build a modern, consistent and fair regulatory environment driven by high-quality, client-focused service.
On March 24th, 2015, the provinces signed a memorandum of understanding to establish and operate the office and reform regulations, including:
- fair, efficient, effective, predictable and transparent regulations that are rigorous and meet citizens’ expectations of protection;
- reducing red tape, overlap and unnecessary regulations, and costs for business;
- effective and efficient service that uses online technology; and
- more co-operation, harmonization and measurement.
Co-leads of the new office will be appointed by the premiers. Staff will be seconded from government departments to concentrate on reducing red tape, streamlining services and harmonizing regulations.
The new office has a three-year mandate to substantially reduce obstacles to business growth, and build a more positive business environment in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. It will implement all the recommendations made in the fall 2014 Tax and Regulatory Review.
This initiative is aligned with the Atlantic Red Tape Reduction Initiative announced by the Council of Atlantic Premiers in January 2015.