Helping Business Navigate Regulation and Reduce Red Tape

Nova Scotia businesses will soon have access to a service to help them navigate regulations, reduce red tape, and save time and money.

Nova Scotia announced the service, the first of its kind in Canada, today, Jan. 26, as part of Red Tape Awareness Week. Called the Business Navigation Service, this one-year pilot project will help businesses navigate the rules and requirements that apply to them.

Business navigators will help:

• provide timely information on rules and regulations specific to different businesses
• business owners understand how to comply with provincial regulations
• business owners track the status of their business registration
• business owners get a status update on permit and licence applications
• with completing applications and forms.

"I know first-hand that being an entrepreneur takes courage, determination, and a lot of hard work," said Premier Stephen McNeil, Minister responsible for Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness. "One way government can support businesses is by helping them figure out what government requires of them and reducing their work load so they can get on with business."

Government rules, permits, licences, inspections and other requirements ensure the health and safety of employees and consumers, protect the environment and ensure a fair marketplace.

"For businesses, knowing and doing the right thing is incredibly important," said Fred Crooks, Nova Scotia's chief regulatory officer. "Some businesses have the resources to do the leg work themselves but most businesses are very small and need a helping hand. That's what the Business Navigation Service is designed to be - a helping hand."

"Starting a business is full of so many unknowns. At times, I felt left on my own to figure out how to comply with provincial rules," said Kate Hamilton, owner of Bodega Boutique in Dartmouth. "The business navigators will save time and money now and in the future for all entrepreneurs. It's reassuring to know that government is reducing red tape for small businesses, helping them to start and grow."

Business navigators can be reached Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1-844-628-7347 (1-844-NAV-REGS) or by email at <BusNavigation@novascotia.ca.>

Red Tape Awareness Week is an initiative of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.