Our province is getting some recognition for its efforts to reduce bureaucratic red tape, and that makes the mayor of Winkler very happy.

Martin Harder is a member of Manitoba Red Tape Reduction Task Force which was assembled in late 2016. The group includes business leaders from across the province who initially focused their efforts on identifying regulatory requirements that stifle growth in four specific industries; agriculture and food-processing, transportation, non-profit organizations, and land development.

The hard work the Task Force has put in has not gone unnoticed as the Canadian Federation of Independent Business bumped Manitoba from a D-plus grade last year to an A this year in its latest Red Tape Report card released earlier this week.

"Some of the changes made are quite evident, from both a municipal and the independent business perspective," said Harder. "When you have a government commitment to remove two old regulations for every new one, that spells well for future streamlining as well as ensuring the government deals with the information we send in."

The group initially identified over 900,000 different regulatory requirements being placed on non-profits, local governments, businesses and private citizens.

The CFIB revealed Manitoba small- and medium-sized businesses spend $1.2 billion complying with regulations from all levels of government. Of this total regulatory burden, Manitoba entrepreneurs indicate nearly 30 percent, or $400 million, is red tape that could be eliminated with no negative effect on health and safety or environmental standards.

Harder was one of three members who worked on the Task Force's land development sub-committee.

"I think one of the changes that are most evident can be found in the land sub-division process which has now be shortened up considerably."

In its annual report this week, the CFIB indicated Manitoba has seen a decrease of more than $80 million in the amount businesses have spent complying with government paperwork.

According to Harder, the process doesn't stop here.

"I think the work of streamlining government and reducing red tape is not a one year term. I think it's something that should be ongoing and should be regularly reviewed throughout the existence of any administration whether it's municipal, provincial or federal."