FAQs
Why does Nova Scotia need Better Regulation?
Who is leading the Better Regulation Initiative?
What will Better Regulation do for Nova Scotia businesses?
What will Better Regulation mean for all Nova Scotians?
Why better regulation and not deregulation? Aren’t other provinces doing that?
Who has the government talked to about regulation?
What are the main priorities of Better Regulation?
How did BRI come up with a figure of 20%?
How will you meet this target?
What is the Better Regulation Index?
What is the 10 Day Service Standard?
What kinds of licences and permits are subject to the Service Standard?
Are some licences and permits exempt from the Service Standard?
Are exempted licences and permits subject to service standards in any way?
What happens to Better Regulation if government priorities change between now and 2010?
I©d like to know more. Who do I contact?
Q Why does Nova Scotia need Better Regulation?
A There are really two reasons we need Better Regulation:
- Regulation affects the success of business, since time spent on regulation and the paperwork associated with it takes time away from revenue-generating work.
- When regulatory information is difficult to access or understand, business people may find it more difficult to understand and follow the rules. That means less protection for the public and the environment.
Q Who is leading the Better Regulation Initiative?
A The Chair of Treasury and Policy Board is the minister responsible for Better Regulation. A steering committee of senior officials from six key departments are leading the planning and implementation. Ultimately, it involves all departments of the Government of Nova Scotia in creating a culture of constant improvement that will result in simpler, more effective regulation.
Q What will Better Regulation do for Nova Scotia businesses?
A Better Regulation aims to make it easier to do business in Nova Scotia while maintaining or improving protection for the public and the environment.
Specifically, for business it will mean:
- A level playing field
- Streamlined access to clear information
- Fewer, simpler forms
- Less time on paperwork
- Clarity about how regulations apply to them
Q What will Better Regulation mean for all Nova Scotians?
A Everyone in Nova Scotia will benefit from:
- Effective regulations
- Consistent enforcement
- Better public protection
By allowing business in Nova Scotia to be more competitive, Better Regulation also improves the economy and contributes to our quality of life.
Q Why better regulation and not deregulation? Aren’t other provinces doing that?
A Even businesses don’t necessarily want to do away with regulation. We talked with the business community and they told us they want improved regulation. They want less paperwork, fewer duplicate and unnecessary regulations, and understandable information so they know what to do about the necessary ones. They also want easy access to the right people and information so they can get what they need and get on with their business.
Like most Nova Scotians, business owners also want to keep the protection we have for our great quality of life. The Government of Nova Scotia remains committed to making it easier to do business in the province, without compromising protection for the public and the environment.
Q Who has the government talked to about regulation?
A Government employees have been working with business and industry organizations to gather input and better understand the impact of regulation on business. They have also been talking to other governments to find out what they’ve been doing to measure the impact and improve regulation. Finally, through specific consultations, the government has heard from interest groups and the public on their perspective on the benefits of regulation. Of course, various departments continue to hold consultations on specific issues and regulations as necessary.
Q What are the main priorities of Better Regulation?
A To begin, the main priorities are:
- Reducing the paperwork burden to business by 20% by 2010
- Improving the way the government regulates
- Improving turnaround time for licences and permits with a Service Standard
- Streamlining services to business, particularly for small business
To meet the 20% target, we are measuring the paperwork burden to create a baseline against which reductions can be measured.
Changes in the regulatory process will ensure regulations are:
- Considered in consultation with business and the public
- Well designed and effective
- Clearly communicated and managed
- Consistently enforced
Q How did BRI come up with a figure of 20%?
A It was quite clear from business that we need to make a noticeable cut to the time they spend on regulation. Paperwork is an easy place to begin since it doesn©t impact protection. The objective to reduce the paperwork burden by 20% by 2010 is in line with the figure business has called for and mirrors the work of the national Advisory Committee on Paperwork Burden Reduction for small business in Canada.
Q How will you meet this target?
A Departments are including actions on Better Regulation in the departmental business plans. In addition, Better Regulation is being incorporated into the day-to-day work of all provincial government departments since it©s about making lasting change to the way we regulate.
Q What is the Better Regulation Index?
A Simply put, the Better Regulation Index is an indicator of the administrative cost of regulation to business. It measures the paperwork burden that results from provincial department regulation. Visit the Better Regulation Index for more information.
Q What is the 10 day Service Standard??
A The Service Standard is the commitment by government to make a decision within 10 business days on applications for each provincial licence, permit, application, registration and certificate subject to the standard.
Q What kinds of licences and permits are subject to the Service Standard?
A Provincial licences, permits, applications, registrations and certificates (LPARCs) are subject to the Service Standard. The Service Standard does not apply to provincial LPARCs administered by organizations like agencies, boards and commissions (ABCs). The Service Standard also does not cover LPARCs which serve a purpose to confirm completion of education or training, for example: a certificate following completion of an installer's course.
Q Are some licences and permits exempt from the Service Standard?
A Yes. It would be completely inappropriate for all types of licences, permits, approvals, registrations and certificates (LPARCs) to be turned around in 10 days. LPARCs are exempted if their processes, after careful scrutiny, were determined to absolutely require at least one of the following to be effective in fulfilling their purposes:
- Considerable analysis so that a service period 10 business days or fewer would be detrimental to public interest/safety
- Cabinet approval
- Documentation from organizations external to provincial government, only obtainable by government request
- Consultation as part of the process that would extend the turnaround period beyond 10 business days
Q Are exempted licences and permits subject to service standards in any way?
A Yes. Where the 10 day turn around time is not appropriate, an alternative service standard will be set and approved by Cabinet. The alternate service standard will be publicly available, as well as how often the alternative standard is met.
Q What happens to Better Regulation if government priorities change between now and 2010?
A Since the new processes will be built into how we do things, Better Regulation will become part of the day-to-day approach of government employees. In fact, one of the reasons for focusing on culture change rather than just immediate actions is to help ingrain the principles of Better Regulation within the public service.
A We know that the regulatory environment is important if business is to prosper. So, whatever plans are put in place after 2010, the focus will be on a competitive economy and our quality of life. Of course, the Better Regulation approach will continue to be part of how the government conducts its business.
Q I’d like to know more. Who do I contact?
A You can call 902-424-8625 or e-mail us at betterregulation@gov.ns.ca. If you would like to provide feedback on regulation in Nova Scotia, visit our feedback page.
