Tanya Fir, Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction, MLA for Calgary-Peigan. (United Conservative Party)

By Sheldon Spackman

Tanya Fir

Associate Minister highlights red tape reduction efforts

Jul 29, 2022 | 2:55 PM

Alberta’s Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction highlighted a number of recent initiatives this week that aim to make life a little easier for rural producers, those who enjoy the outdoors, and all Albertans.

Speaking with rdnewsNOW, Tanya Fir, MLA for Calgary-Peigan, noted the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP), which she described as a $3 billion federal, provincial and territorial investment in the agriculture industry to help play a key role in Alberta’s Recovery Plan.

“We’ve made efforts to cut red tape in that program to allow easier and quicker access to funds for Alberta’s producers and agri-food industry, and the CAP,” she explains. “It helps producers and agri-food companies expand, access new markets, innovate, and keeping Alberta’s industry a world leader in these areas.”

Amidst rising inflation and growing food security concerns, Fir says one area the government’s trying to streamline is application processes to make it easier for producers and food manufacturers to access funds more quickly.

“The past few years we’ve had record-setting highs in food and beverage manufacturing,” she points out. “That’s really put the spotlight on the enormous potential for Alberta’s food industry. So I just think going back to the funding with the federal-provincial-territory investment, it provides funding for those strategic programs and initiatives, and it represents a federal-provincial investment of $406 million, so I think that’s significant.”

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Also on the agriculture front, Fir highlights amendments to meat inspection regulations which give consumers the freedom, for example, to buy an animal directly from the producer and have it slaughtered on site for personal consumption.

“Provincially licensed meat facilities can now salvage and sell meat by-products, allowing them to expand into markets that use these products for say, pet food and wildlife bait,” she explains. “The thing with red tape reduction is it’s about big and small changes? Like whether it’s large, multi-million dollar changes or just small, everyday changes that make life better for our hard-working farmers and their families and everyday Albertans.”

In addition, Fir notes red tape reduction efforts in camping, fishing and hunting, among other areas.

“For example, when Albertans are planning their camping trip, they can now book and pay for campsite reservations online,” says Fir. “Albertans can also set up automated renewal of their sport fishing license. This means less time preparing and more time fishing.”

Fir says the government is also providing more flexibility for hunters to complete their training.

“They can now participate in online orientation or traditional in-person sessions, so just giving options around that,” shares Fir.

Entertainment districts are another initiative Fir says the government has recently introduced so municipalities can set-up outdoor areas where adults can responsibly consume alcohol in specified public areas.

“It’s something many European countries have done for years and it’s something now that we’re allowing for in Alberta,” says Fir. “I think it’s a great way to promote tourism, support small and local businesses, add some fun to say, tailgate parties.”

“It just gives that flexibility now to serve drinks, for example, anywhere on festival grounds,” adds Fir. “It makes liquor licensing less restrictive for festivals and events that are held say, in provincial parks. So it’s still ensuring that there’s safety, responsible consumption, but just allowing for more flexibility and more enjoyment of those outdoor activities.”

Fir says there are nine different industry panels that represent a variety of different industries, from oil and gas, to tourism, to agriculture, to chemical manufacturing.

“They give us expert advice on ways we can cut red tape,” she explains. “But we also, I would argue more importantly, want to hear from everyday Albertans on any burdensome red tape that’s getting in their way or impeding them or preventing them from saving time and money.

Fir says to visit www.Alberta.ca/cutredtape to share your ideas on cutting red tape.

Meantime, following this week’s UCP leadership debate in Medicine Hat and in advance of the UCP leadership vote on Oct. 6, Fir acknowledges the party has a good list of candidates to choose from for the party’s next leader and the province’s next premier.

“I’m supporting Travis Toews. I’m really excited about him and what he brings to the table,” says Fir. “But what’s most important is unity and I’m excited that I believe all the candidates believe in unity and strength going forward, but my choice is Travis.”