Minister Clement Highlights Savings for Taxpayers and Touts the Government of Canada's Low-Tax Plan for Jobs and Growth

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 2, 2012) - The Honourable Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board, today spoke to the Ottawa Economic Club about the Government's ongoing commitment to keep taxes low, rein in costs and streamline operations as part of the Government's pledge to balance the budget and support jobs, growth and long-term prosperity. Minister Clement also highlighted savings measures that will save taxpayers money, noting the end to parking subsidies for government executives, a measure that will result in annual savings of $2.6 million, and the end to parking subsidies for ministerial chiefs of staff.

"Our Government is committed to saving taxpayers money," said Minister Clement. "These savings send a signal through the Government and underscore the importance in finding efficiencies and strengthening our economic advantage."

In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government of Canada reined in costs to realize annual savings of $5.2 billion to improve services to Canadians and put Canada on the path to balance the budget. It also identified ways to modernize its back office and refocus federal programs and regulations to make it easier for Canadians to deal with government.

Minister Clement will continue to lead the Government's efforts to streamline operations, increase productivity and cut red tape for businesses.

"Our goal is to create a more flexible and responsive government in our drive to boost effectiveness. This will position Canada in the most favourable way in an uncertain global economy," added Minister Clement. "Cutting red tape is a crucial part of this transformation."

On October 1, 2012, the Government unveiled its Red Tape Reduction Action Plan which includes 90 department-specific reforms-common sense solutions to business irritants in areas ranging from tax and payroll, to labour, transport and cross-border trade. It also encompasses six systemic changes that will reduce administrative burden on business, make it easier to do business with regulators and improve service and predictability. The vast majority of these reforms will be implemented over the next three years.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business estimates red tape costs companies $30 billion annually.

"The Government's plan will make Canada a global leader in addressing and controlling red tape," said Laura Jones, Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). "More importantly, elements of the plan have the potential to actually make a difference in the lives of entrepreneurs who struggle daily with government red tape."

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