Farmers continue to bear the brunt of government red tape, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
The 2016 report based on a survey of CFIB members found that 76 percent of farmers identify government regulation and paper burden as a serious concern compared to 69 percent of businesses in other sectors.
“This marks the fifth consecutive year that farmers’ red tape frustrations have outpaced that of the general small business community in Canada,” said Marilyn Braun-Pollon, CFIB’s vice-president of agri-businesses.
“For all the photo-ops and campaign commitments made at the farm, Canada’s farmers have seen little relief from the burden of costly government rules and paperwork.”
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Red tape ranks higher than tax burden and the shortage of qualified labour on the list of farmer concerns, making it the top priority for the CFIB.
The federation is not pushing for deregulation.
“Farmers don’t have a problem with legitimate rules,” said Braun-Pollon.
“But when you look at the red tape of inconsistent information or confusing forms or rules that are outdated or rude customer service or getting the run-around, that’s what robs time.”
She said the Census of Agriculture is an example of farm regulation that needs to be changed.
The 2016 census has 18 fewer questions and can be filled out online. The federal government believes it will take 30 percent less time to fill out than the 2011 census.
“The problem is it’s still being sent out right in the middle of seeding,” said Braun-Pollon.
“The timing still stinks for producers.”
CFIB said the amount of red tape varies by province. The federation rates the provinces based on how they measure and report red tape and whether they show political leadership on the issue.
“Manitoba was ranked as the worst province in the country for red tape accountability,” she said.
The province received a failing grade in the 2016 report, down from a D the previous year for failing to live up to its 2014 throne speech commitment to cut red tape for businesses.
“That’s no report card anyone would want to take home,” said Braun-Pollon.
She said the province’s one-size-fits-all approach to manure management dealt a devastating blow to Manitoba’s hog sector.
Saskatchewan maintained its B grade. In 2013, it became the second province to pass legislation requiring it to report on red tape reduction initiatives.
The province estimated it saved taxpayers $12 million in compliance costs in 2015-16, which was well above its $5 million target.
“Saskatchewan really does stand out as one of the few provinces that’s making red tape accountability a priority,” said Braun-Pollon.
Alberta received an incomplete grade because it is too early to pass judgment on the newly elected government.
“But I can tell you this, based on what we’ve seen, it wouldn’t be a very good grade,” she said.
The province received a D the previous year, which could fall next year largely because of Bill 6, the controversial farm safety legislation.
“This is an example of a bill that’s going to add a whole bunch of new regulations and hit the Alberta ag sector extremely, extremely hard,” said Braun-Pollon.
The CFIB estimates that regulation costs Canadian businesses $37 billion a year. Its members believe one-third of that is red tape that could be eliminated.
sean.pratt@producer.com
