Message from the President of the Treasury Board
Canadians benefit from a regulatory system that is internationally
recognized. The strength and effectiveness of our system allows Canadians to
live in a clean environment, participate in a healthy economy, and engage in
daily activities safely and securely. Yet, despite all that we can be proud of,
the underpinnings of a good regulatory system include the ability to evolve.
This means that the system remain adaptable to changing public priorities, and
be forward thinking, transparent, and accountable to the citizens it serves.
Regulation has to keep up with a changing world that demands we focus not
only on what needs to be regulated but also on the way we regulate and the
way in which Canadians are able to assess regulatory performance. If we are to
remain among the leaders in regulation, maintain our high quality of life, and
develop our competitive advantage on the world stage, we must continually
improve our regulatory models, both through our own efforts nationally as well
as in co-operation with other countries.
Making a nation's regulatory system "smarter" requires a
"whole-of-government" approach. This approach begins with my
colleagues in Cabinet, who are leading initiatives that embody Smart Regulation
principles, and who are helping to get our house in order by working together to
break down the silos that impede efficiency in regulatory processes. It also
extends to the provinces, territories, Aboriginal governments and
municipalities, who must work co-operatively toward the common objective of
better regulation that recognizes the interdependence of social, environmental,
and economic objectives.
The views of Canadians, combined with advice from the Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the External Advisory Committee
on Smart Regulation (EACSR), have been taken into account in this Report on
Actions and Plans. It is my hope that citizens, non-governmental
organizations, and industry will continue to influence and participate in this
collaborative process. It is also my belief that our combined efforts will
result in more adaptable regulatory models, along with a regulatory culture that
provides Canadians with healthy choices and greater security, that is
environmentally responsible, and that fosters innovation and a competitive edge
for Canadian business.
I invite you to read this Report, learn more about Smart Regulation, and look
at what we have done and what we plan to do. The federal government is committed
to a process that is open and transparent, meaning that you will be updated on
Smart Regulation initiatives regularly.
Much work remains ahead as we face the challenges of pursuing our regulatory
goals; Smart Regulation means that we will do it right.
Reg Alcock, P.C., M.P.
President of the Treasury Board and
Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board
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