Enterprise Saskatchewan

The Competitiveness and Strategic Issues Division of Enterprise Saskatchewan has reviewed examples of regulatory reform initiatives in Canada, the United Kingdom and New Zealand in order to identify methods of regulatory renewal that could be applied in Saskatchewan. Regulatory review commissions or task forces in other jurisdictions have identified a number of regulatory issues with parallels in Saskatchewan; additional known areas of regulatory concern for business were added to this list based on recent events and responses to a 2005 Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) survey of 1,549 Saskatchewan CFIB members. This report identified key regulatory issues for Saskatchewan, assessed their current status, examines best practices from other jurisdictions, and suggests options for reform.

An assessment of these regulatory issues suggests that a number of key regulatory reforms could be considered to help improve Saskatchewan's competitive business environment including:

• Implement a government-wide mission statement directing client-focused service, and set specific and measurable targets for business and client satisfaction when dealing with government.
• Implement a one-stop business portal for "Single Window Service" that consolidates existing service offerings in a cohesive and comprehensive approach.
• Participate in the National Business Number program.
• Focus regulatory reformation resources on key regulatory issues that pose a negative impact on the business community.
• Publish an approved workplan for tangible regulatory reforms that have stakeholder support and report publicly on progress towards the workplan.
• Publish annual public reports (or more frequent) on changes to the regulatory environment, and publicize the reports to the business community.
• Develop a clear and concise ‘plain language' plan to be implemented across all government institutions and guide effective government communications regarding regulations with clients. The plan would include a review and redesign, where necessary, of all government forms.
• Review and evaluate the current process for regulatory impact assessments to assess effectiveness and efficiency and determine opportunities for further enhancements.
• Identify areas to harmonize regulations and standards that are trade impediments, particularly among western provinces.
• Modernize regulations wherever possible by utilizing more efficient and flexible regulatory tools such as performance-based regulations, extended licensing and permitting periods, voluntary and mandated standards, etc.
• Benchmark Saskatchewan user fees, based on cost-recovery policies, and benchmark them with other jurisdictions.
• Establish clear lines of responsibility and decision-making within government regarding community engagement issues.

The government recently implemented one of the recommendations to create a one-stop business portal for "Single Window Service" that consolidates existing service offerings in a cohesive and comprehensive approach. This service – called BizPal – is an online service that provides Canadian/Saskatchewan businesses with one-stop access to permit and licence information for all levels of government.