CFIB statement on federal Cabinet Directive on Regulatory Competitiveness and Red Tape Reduction

EmitenTrust.com OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 21, 2026 /CNW/ -- Dan Kelly, President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), issued the following statement in response to the federal cabinet directive:

"CFIB welcomes the federal government's new Cabinet Directive on Regulatory Competitiveness and Red Tape Reduction, which includes several long-standing CFIB recommendations.

The new requirement for regulators to reduce regulatory burden costs by $2 for every $1 added is a significant step forward. CFIB has long advocated for a two-for-one approach because similar regulatory budgeting measures have proven effective at increasing accountability and reducing unnecessary red tape in jurisdictions where they have been adopted. Small business owners have watched paperwork, reporting requirements and compliance obligations grow year after year. Requiring regulators to offset new burdens with meaningful reductions is an important reform for reversing that trend.

We are also encouraged by the directive's focus on competitiveness and regular regulatory reviews. Together, these measures will help create a more efficient and business-friendly regulatory system while ensuring rules remain relevant and effective.

The use of recognized standards has the potential to simplify compliance and improve regulatory consistency. However, implementation will matter. Small businesses should not face new costs or barriers as a result of having to purchase access to standards or obtain unnecessary certifications.

While today's announcement is very positive, success will ultimately be measured by results. Small business owners want to see fewer forms, lower compliance costs and more time to focus on running their businesses. CFIB looks forward to working with the federal government to ensure these commitments translate into real, measurable savings for entrepreneurs."

About CFIB

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is Canada's largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 103,000 members across every industry and region. CFIB is dedicated to increasing business owners' chances of success by driving policy change at all levels of government, providing expert advice and tools, and negotiating exclusive savings. Learn more at cfib.ca.

SOURCE Canadian Federation of Independent Business (Toronto)