CRA prepares to cut red tape

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is taking measures to cut red tape and support businesses in creating jobs and economic growth. As part of the initiative, called the Red Tape Reduction Action Plan, the CRA has created a dedicated team responsible for coordinating and addressing small business issues. Read: CFIB tackles small business regulatory costs […]

By Staff | October 1, 2012 | Last updated on October 1, 2012

1 min read

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is taking measures to cut red tape and support businesses in creating jobs and economic growth.

As part of the initiative, called the Red Tape Reduction Action Plan, the CRA has created a dedicated team responsible for coordinating and addressing small business issues.

Read: CFIB tackles small business regulatory costs

The plan, which was unveiled today by Minister of National Revenue, Gail Shea, mandates a “small business lens” approach to focus on cutting red tape for small businesses.

The agency has “put in place some changes to improve services for business, including improved online registration for a business number, and providing GST/HST rulings more quickly to support informed business planning,” says a release on the CRA website.

“Our Government believes that Canada’s entrepreneurs should be able to focus on growing their business and creating jobs,” says Shea. “Small businesses spoke; the CRA listened and is taking action.”

Read: Canada offers competitive tax structure: KPMG

The plan to counter red tape details the ways the government addresses issues identified as irritants by business during consultations in 2011.

The release also quotes Tony Clement, president of the Treasury Board and lead minister of the Action Plan, as saying: “The reforms that the government has committed to under the Action Plan are a game-changer for doing business in Canada. These reforms will root out red tape irritants and make the regulatory system more open, predictable, and transparent.”