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Action in progress
Digitize driver’s licence and vehicle registration renewal reminders
Status: Action in progress
What we heard
The Ministry of Transportation sends out multiple paper confirmation slips to customers.
Our plan
Drivers can already opt into email reminders for licence and vehicle registration renewals. By 2017-18 most driver and vehicle paper notices will be eliminated.
Reduce red tape for private career colleges
Status: Action in progress
What we heard
Private colleges face regulations that have long compliance processes and are expensive.
Our plan
The government is introducing a new online program approval and registration information system (PARIS) in 2017-18 that will support private career colleges by providing a centralized, end-to-end system to manage all registration, financial, and compliance requirements.
In January 2017, revisions to regulations under the Private Career College Act came into effect, aiming to improve student protections, strengthen quality assurance mechanisms and reduce red tape.
Review spring load restrictions for seed transportation trucks
Status: Action in progress
What we heard
Spring seasonal weight restriction for trucks makes it difficult for farmers to get seeds prepared and in the ground, affecting harvests and revenues.
Our plan
The Ministry of Transportation will consult with the trucking industry to streamline the spring load restriction process with other jurisdictions, and clarify which road authority is responsible for reduced loads in areas. This is expected to be completed before the 2018 spring seasonal weight restriction period.
The ministry will also review the Highway Traffic Act to identify opportunities to refine spring load restrictions based on modern truck configurations. The review will be completed by spring 2018.
Improve the long combination vehicle application process
Status: Action in progress
What we heard
Restrictions on the use of long combination vehicles (LCVs) have a negative impact on business. This issue was also addressed in the auto parts manufacturing report.
Our plan
The Ministry of Transportation expanded and improved the LCV program on January 30, 2017 by:
- removing permit caps
- extending proximity distance carriers can operate off the primary LCV network
- expanding the primary LCV network
- expanding the configuration types allowed to operate within the program
The ministry also collaborated with Canada’s eastern provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec) to harmonize rules and requirements for LCVs via a Memorandum of Understanding announced December 1, 2016.
Reduce the time it takes to get a commercial vehicle operator’s licence
Status: Action in progress
What we heard
It takes twice as long to obtain a commercial vehicle operator’s registration (CVOR) as it does in the United States.
Our plan
The Ministry of Transportation introduced online services in November 2016 to improve service and reduce processing times for the carrier community.
The CVOR system is more comprehensive than the program administered by the United States Department of Transportation, which contributes to Ontario’s strong road safety record.
Simplify Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario licensing process
Status: Action in progress
What we heard
Businesses see duplication in the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) licences and think they have to be renewed too often (including Manufacturer’s Licences and Tied House Licences). Also, the licences cannot be renewed online.
Our plan
The AGCO is replacing all its old IT systems with a new online platform that will be implemented in four phases, beginning in spring 2017. This system will allow those in the alcohol industry to apply for and manage their licences online in one central location. Users will also be able to apply for and obtain special occasion liquor permits online. The AGCO is also redesigning its organizational structure and business processes to reflect these changes, including a review of licensing policies and procedures.
In the interim, the AGCO redesigned a number of its paper licensing forms to help streamline the process for licence applications and renewals.
Involve stakeholders more in policy development
Status: Action in progress
What we heard
Regulations are difficult for businesses to understand, navigate and comply with. Current regulatory review processes are too slow to keep up with changes in the food processing industry. Also, industry should be consulted in the development of all new regulations.
Our plan
The Red Tape Challenge is part of the province’s plan to make sure Ontario’s regulations are reviewed regularly and are easy to understand and comply with.
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ (OMAFRA) Open for Business Forum provides stakeholders with the opportunity to discuss a range of regulatory and service concerns and to engage with other ministries on specific issues. OOMAFRA will continue to use the forum to engage agri-food sector partners, and will also review the range of forum participants to determine if and where it might be expanded.
The Ministry of Economic Development and Growth’s newly created Regulatory Centre of Excellence will work with policymakers across Ontario’s public service to involve stakeholders early in the process of developing new laws and regulations to ensure economic impacts are properly measured and considered. To that end, the Centre will host a conference in April 2017 that will provide training to 300 provincial policy makers.
Between 2011 and 2016, the province‘s burden reduction activities saved businesses and other stakeholders more than $122.3 million.
Actions tracking
Develop an online system to update addresses with all ministries
Status: Action tracking
What we heard
There is no central platform for changing addresses with all government ministries, requiring a business to change its address with each individual ministry. This is time consuming and can potentially lead to a fine for forgotten changes.
Our plan
ServiceOntario currently offers an online change of business information service. Using a single online service, you can make multiple changes to the information you have filed with select areas of government:
- Ministry of Government and Consumer Services
- Ministry of Finance
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
- Canada Revenue Agency
This includes an employer account with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, a corporate income tax account or an import/export account.
Ensure vendor of record criteria are clear, concise and fair
Status: Action tracking
What we heard
The criteria for vendor of record (VOR) arrangements with the government make it difficult for small businesses to qualify unless they offer a specific niche solution.
Our plan
Vendors of any size can bid to qualify for VOR arrangements for a large range of goods and services through the Ontario Tenders Portal. The process has been revised to reduce the complexity of bid documents and make it easier for vendors of all sizes to bid. Vendors are also qualified regionally where appropriate. This provides more opportunities for smaller vendors that may not be able to service the whole province.
Streamline Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario regulations
Status: Action tracking
What we heard
Regulations that fall under the responsibility of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) are perceived to be overly complex and can confuse inspectors.
Our plan
AGCO inspectors undergo extensive training to understand the obligations of licensees and registrants. The AGCO uses a compliance-based approach to regulation that focuses on ensuring that stakeholders understand their obligations by educating them on the relevant requirements.