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Red Tape: We're all over it
The Chamber is all over the fight to reduce excess regulation—AKA red tape—no matter where it comes from. Productivity and innovation are key factors to economic prosperity. We cannot allow restrictive regulations to hinder those who can deliver a better future for Nova Scotia.
We've created our Red Tape Man anti-hero to show particularly sticky areas where we think excess regulation needs to be eliminated.
Gas price regulation
The Chamber opposes the regulation of fuel prices because of the negative impact is has on the Nova Scotia business environment and consumers. When our government is seen to be imposing excess regulation it discourages local businesses and deters new businesses from moving here.
Click here to see what the Chamber is doing to fight Red Tape Man in the area of gas regulation!
Downtown development
The Chamber continues to be a vocal supporter of Halifax's new regional plan, which points to the positive economic and social spin-offs of higher densities in urban areas. Downtown development is beneficial to Halifax because the infrastructure is already in place, as opposed to urban sprawl, which requires many new services. High density means high demand for shops, restaurants and nightlife. Despite these positives, debates over recent development proposals have been bogged down by costly appeals and unclear criteria. Click here to see what the Chamber is doing to fight Red Tape Man in the area of downtown development!
Transportation
Transportation is a key issue for the Halifax business environment. The Chamber's main focus is advocating for an Open Skies concept that would benefit international air travel in our region, contributing also to Canada's competitiveness and prosperity. The ability for air carriers to serve Halifax with fewer regulatory hurdles is paramount to the future of air transportation and business development to Nova Scotia and the Atlantic region. Click here to see what the Chamber is doing to fight Red Tape Man in the area of transportation!
Immigration
The Chamber's immigration subcommittee has continued to do work on this important issue. Its focus has been to eliminate the excess red tape new immigrants face to help make Nova Scotia a more attractive place for them not only to move to, but also to stay. Click here to see what the Chamber is doing to fight Red Tape Man in the area of immigration!
Oil and gas industry
The Chamber has worked to simplify the regulatory process for those who do oil and gas exploration off the coast of Nova Scotia. While the Chamber recognizes regulation is needed in this industry, it is a great example of how a streamlined process can be the difference between needed and excess regulation.
Click here to see what the Chamber is doing to fight Red Tape Man in the area of oil and gas!
WIN!! Sunday shopping
We championed Sunday shopping because our members asked us to. In Chamber surveys, members told us that excess government regulation—such as restrictions to store hours—hindered their businesses. Member feedback motivated us to work on advocate for Sunday shopping. We're proud our work influenced Premier Rodney MacDonald's decision on October 4, 2006, following the court ruling against the Uniform Retail Closing Day Act, to eliminate the restrictions on retail hours. Click here to see what the Chamber did to fight Red Tape Man in the area of Sunday shopping!
WIN!! Business Occupancy Tax Eliminated!
After 11 years of lobbying against the Business Occupancy Tax, it was finally eliminated. On Thursday, May 19, 2005, the legislation to eliminate the BOT was passed and the road to Halifax's business future is now clearer. The BOT will be phased out over the next seven years.
Click here to see what the Chamber did to fight Red Tape Man and the BOT!
