Latest red tape reduction package will save people and businesses $5.8 million and more than 256,000 hours every year
Today, the Ontario government introduced the Protect Ontario by Cutting Red Tape Act, 2025, that if passed, would support the province’s goal of cutting red tape to make Ontario the most competitive place in the G7 to invest, create jobs and do business. The legislation is a key part of the Spring 2025 Red Tape Reduction Package that contains over 50 new common-sense changes to improve services, keep costs down and protect Ontario’s economy.
“In the face of the ongoing threat of U.S. tariffs, our government is taking action to protect Ontario so we can keep workers on the job, attract new investment and make life easier and more affordable for Ontario families,” said Andrea Khanjin, Minister of Red Tape Reduction. “We’re protecting Ontario by cutting needless red tape, keeping costs down, improving service delivery, and creating the right conditions for people and businesses to succeed.”
Key actions include:
- Protecting income for people who need it most by exempting the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) as income so that social assistance recipients would receive the benefit without seeing a reduction in their provincial social assistance payments or entitlements. The changes would help recipients of the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Ontario Works and the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) obtain maximum entitlements.
- Streamlining how funding is delivered and reported for Northern Ontario Small Business Enterprise Centres, so they can spend less time on administration and more time in helping local businesses grow.
- Making communities safer by proposing changes to Christopher’s Law (Sex Offender Registry), 2000, that will allow information in the Ontario Sex Offender and Trafficker Registry to be shared with certain organizations and law enforcement agencies across Canada and in the United States. This will help with cross-border investigations and improve the monitoring of sex offenders.
- Strengthening the Consumer Protection Act, 2002, by replacing existing rules for rewards points agreements with new requirements. This includes giving consumers the right to request that a supplier credit back any rewards points that were expired, cancelled or suspended contrary to the act or its regulations.
- Supporting tourism by proposing changes to the Liquor Licence Control Act to expand areas where alcohol can be consumed in Ontario Parks, beginning in 2026. This amendment would improve visitor experiences in parks by expanding opportunities for socially responsible consumption of alcohol.
“Together, these changes represent meaningful action to protect our economy,” said Minister Khanjin. “Our latest red tape package is expected to save $5.8 million, and over 256,000 hours every single year. In times like these, every dollar matters, and every minute counts. Cutting red tape is not just about removing outdated rules – it’s about unlocking new opportunities and protecting what matters most.”
Quick Facts
- Since 2018, Ontario has taken over 650 actions, saving people and businesses $1.08 billion and 1.5 million hours.
Quotes
“Our government is committed to making Ontario the most competitive economy in the G7. By cutting red tape, we’re taking real steps in that direction. I look forward to supporting my colleagues as we continue to make life easier for businesses and people across the province.”
– Joseph Racinsky
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Red Tape Reduction
“I’m proud to support this bold action to make government work better for everyone. By eliminating red tape and modernizing how government works, we’re clearing the path for more growth, more jobs, and a stronger future for the people of Ontario.”
– Logan Kanapathi
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Red Tape Reduction
“We applaud Minister Khanjin and the Ontario government for consistently introducing two Red Tape Reduction packages every year, a sign of their unwavering commitment to removing barriers to business. A resounding 96% of Ontario small business owners believe it’s important for the province to reduce unnecessary, excessive, and duplicative rules. This survey response isn’t surprising, given that the average Canadian business spent 32 days on red tape in 2024.”
– Julie Kwiecinski
Director of Provincial Affairs (Ontario), Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)
“The Ontario Chamber welcomes this latest bill to reduce the regulatory burden on business, enabling them to focus on innovation, sales, service and creating jobs. We particularly support steps to improve Northern businesses’ access to Small Business Enterprise Centres. This bill makes business services more inclusive and helps improve Ontario’s competitiveness in the global economy.”
– Daniel Tisch
President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC)
“Alleviating red tape is a critical priority for the Toronto region’s business community and we are pleased to see the introduction of Ontario’s 15th Red Tape Reduction package. Reducing red tape is about creating the conditions for Ontario businesses to grow, compete, and succeed. Efforts to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens are essential to drive investment, boost productivity, and strengthen economic resilience. With more details to come, we look forward to supporting the Ontario government’s efforts to streamline regulation to meet the needs of business.”
– Toronto Region Board of Trade
