Winnipeg –

The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board, took part in two separate events today at the University of Manitoba, highlighting the Government of Canada’s successes in reducing regulatory red tape, advancing free trade, and promoting open data.

"Our Government has been working tirelessly over the past year to implement reforms that cut the unnecessary red tape that has been suffocating small businesses in Canada," said Minister Clement. "I am pleased to report we have made substantial progress in implementing these reforms after launching the Red Tape Reduction Action Plan in October 2012."

For example, the One-for-One Rule has successfully reduced administrative burden on business. By the beginning of October this year, the Rule had saved Canadian businesses nearly $20 million in administrative costs, which represents a reduction of about 98,000 hours in time spent dealing with regulatory red tape. Also this fall, the newly formedRegulatory Advisory Committee will review the first Annual Scorecard on results achieved through the Action Plan.

Minister Clement also provided details on how the historic Canada–European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will benefit businesses and improve services for Canadians.

"The Agreement represents thousands of new jobs for Canadians and a half billion new customers for Canadian businesses by providing preferential market access to European Union consumers," added Minister Clement. "By eliminating about 98% of all tariff lines, the Agreement will translate into increased profits and market opportunities for Canadian businesses of all sizes, in every part of the country."

Minister Clement also spoke with computer science students and technology enthusiasts at the University of Manitoba about the upcoming Canadian Open Data Experience (CODE). In February, the Government will host its first-ever national appathon.

CODE participants, including students, developers, and Open Data enthusiasts from across the country, will have 48 hours to craft user-friendly apps from government-collected data found on data.gc.ca. The apps will then be used for commercial and social purposes.

This entrepreneurial initiative delivers the country’s top technological talent to the consumer while improving the way Canadians use data in their everyday lives. Innovations like the apps created at CODE will ensure Canada remains at the forefront of the global Open Data movement.

Src:news.gc.ca