“We have a strong economy and business community in Prince Edward Island,” said Minister Roach. “Through Project ART we want to provide faster, smarter and more streamlined government services to businesses. Red tape should not be getting in the way of good business practice.”

Project ART (Addressing Red Tape) is a five year government-wide, business-to-government strategy which addresses Prince Edward Island’s economic and businesses competitive interests without compromising public health, safety or the natural environment.

Project ART will include several initiatives over the next five years to reduce burden on businesses. The first initiative, which will commence immediately, will be sector roundtables.

“With the Sector Roundtables we want to establish an open dialogue and collaborative relationship between government and key business stakeholders. We want to reduce the regulatory burdens, unnecessary paperwork and repetitive processes in the province,” said Minister Roach. “Our aim is to save businesses both time and money, while helping our economy grow.”

The Sector Roundtable initiative will focus on better understanding the needs and priorities of Island business in relation to red tape. Key business sectors will be invited to share their priority areas and work with government to find solutions to those issues. This initiative will run over the next two years.

“Collaboration is essential for Project ART to be a success,” said Minister Roach. “By working with our business community and collaborating with the CFIB, we will continually find new ways to reduce unnecessary red tape.”

“While every business owner will recognize that some regulation is necessary, there comes a point where excessive paperwork, duplication and slow processes become unproductive red tape,” said Erin McGrath-Gaudet, CFIB’s director for PEI. “I’m very pleased to see government accepting the challenge to do its part to support Island entrepreneurs and ensure PEI is an easy place to do business.”

The creation of Project ART was highlighted in the fall 2013 Speech from the Throne. The project is currently being led through the Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning.