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By Curtis Galbraith

Provincial Politics

Provincial minister says regulations for industry have been reduced by 20 per cent

Feb 18, 2022 | 6:00 AM

Alberta’s Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction says work in her area continues.

Tanya Fir says the government set a goal of cutting red tape by one-third. She says they are at about 20 per cent so far, meaning a reduction in the number of regulatory requirements for all industries of 130,000.

Fir recently met with oil and gas industry groups, including the Explorers and Producers Association of Canada, the Petroleum Services Association of Canada, and the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors to get more ideas on what to do next.

“Common themes that we heard from the beginning, and we continue to hear, are under some bigger items around, for example, around public input into regulatory decision-making.”

“With respect to reclamation certificates, looking for more prompt approvals. Liability framework is another area where they’d like to see some red tape cut.”

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Fir says survey requirements are among the other areas to work on next.

She adds the government wants to meet that one-third promise by the end of this term, which comes in the spring of 2023.

“Once we reach that one-third, I think that our bigger goal will be to allow the build-up or creeping back in of regulatory requirements.”

“Of course, as we introduce new legislation, with that often comes new regulations and that is fine if that legislation is intended to help the economy.

Fir says cutting red tape does not include reducing regulations meant to protect Albertans or the environment

“That is not what we consider red tape. Red tape is things that add no value, is duplicated, repetitive, unnecessary.”

“Protecting the environment and protecting Albertans always comes first and we do not eliminate any regulations or legislation that would have a negative impact on the environment.”

Fir says she is also willing to meet with local industry groups if they want to contact her office to set up a meeting.