Alberta, Nova Scotia and Ontario receive good grades
“While some governments have made progress this year, others have fallen behind. Manitoba, for example, took a colossal step backwards after it eliminated its Red Tape Accountability Act, dropping from a near best-in-class B+ in 2023 to an F this year,” said SeoRhin Yoo, a senior policy analyst for interprovincial affairs at CFIB and report card co-author.
“Too many jurisdictions in Canada are bogged down in bureaucracy. We need all levels of government to make red tape reduction a priority.”
Manitoba experienced a major decline in regulatory performance this year, receiving a failing grade in the latest Red Tape Report Card by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). The province dropped from a B+ in 2023 to an F after eliminating its Red Tape Accountability Act.
This shift highlights concerns about increasing bureaucratic barriers and the need for renewed efforts to simplify regulations.
The annual report evaluates government performance in three key areas: regulatory accountability, regulatory burden, and political priority.
Alberta led the rankings once again, securing an A for the second consecutive year. Nova Scotia and Ontario closely followed with strong performances, while British Columbia and Quebec earned respectable B+ grades. On the other hand, Newfoundland and Labrador joined Manitoba at the bottom with an F, indicating significant regulatory challenges.
Alberta excelled in all categories, receiving top marks for regulatory burden reduction and political commitment to streamlining processes. The province’s efforts reflect a strong push to improve business conditions and reduce unnecessary administrative hurdles. Meanwhile, Nova Scotia and Ontario also demonstrated significant progress, earning A- grades.
The report included a special bonus for housing-related initiatives, recognizing governments that have made efforts to address housing supply issues. Alberta, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia received additional points for their contributions in this area.
The federal government received a C grade, indicating room for improvement in simplifying regulations at the national level. Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick fell in the mid-range of the rankings, with New Brunswick not receiving a full assessment due to a recent change in government.
CFIB continues to advocate for better regulatory policies, emphasizing that reducing unnecessary red tape is essential for economic productivity. The organization encourages all provinces to prioritize reforms that support businesses and communities.
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