Centre for Effective Regulation

Canada is recognized as one of the most regulation-intensive economies in the developed world with hundreds of new regulations each year and numerous areas of regulatory oversight that are shared between provinces and the federal government. In a time of rapid change Canada must have regulatory systems that are efficient and that evolve along with changes in technology and markets. It is also critical for regulations to protect the well-being of individuals and the environment. Governments and regulators need the capacity to carry out that role and still be responsive to the needs for competitiveness and economic prosperity.

Actions have been taken over the years by federal and provincial governments to be more responsive. For example, the federal government has adopted a Cabinet Directive on Streamlining Regulation and established a major projects office to provide a single window of access for large natural resource projects. At the provincial level, British Columbia took the lead in 2001 by establishing a Regulatory Reform Initiative and other provinces are following suit. At the North American level, the Competitiveness Council of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) supports efforts to increase cross-border economic opportunities.

More must be done if Canada is to have highly efficient and effective regulatory systems. This is why the Conference Board is launching its Centre for Effective Regulation. This Centre is a multi-stakeholder network that will contribute to the improvement of regulatory efficiency and effectiveness through facilitated dialogue, balanced and rigorous research, and effective communication of key insights to leaders.

For more information or to join the Centre please contact: