The Conservative government's newly formed Red Tape Reduction Task Force hopes to eliminate time-wasting permit applications, forms, and regulations that stifle growth.

Ron Koslowsky, Manitoba Vice President for the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters says they've heard from many local businesses on red tape frustrations.

Something as simple as hooking up new electrical manufacturing equipment can create challenges.

"There was all kinds of bureaucracy, red tape, delays, extra costs involved, changes to requirements... all of which created a real difficulty for manufacturers to move forward on growing their business."

The complexity of the processes didn't add anything to safety, but rather added to the cost of doing business in Manitoba.

"These are the little things business people have to deal with on a daily basis," he says.

He notes there have been cases where outside companies balk at the situation in Manitoba.

"We've been flagged by third parties outside the Province as being among the worst," Koslowsky says. "It is really high time for a change."

Task Force committee member and Winkler Mayor Martin Harder is looking into land transfers, subdivision, and development.

"What are some of the things being duplicated... areas not flowing as smoothly as they could," he says. "So we don't cause undue delays for projects, and for business to start happening."

Harder says they're looking to local business owners and municipalities for insight on their biggest hangups.

By the end of May, a report from the Red Tape Task Force will be reviewed by government and implemented, requiring departments to abide by the recommendations within one year.

"That's what's really exciting about this initiative," Harder says. "This is moving extremely fast."

Other areas target agriculture as well as non-profits.

To voice your experience with red tape, visit the government website here.