Alberta earns Golden Scissors Award for red tape reduction

Alberta has once again been ranked the top province in Canada for cutting red tape, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, reinforcing its reputation as a leading place to live, work and do business.

During Red Tape Reduction Week, CFIB awarded Alberta its Golden Scissors Award, the organization’s highest national honour for eliminating unnecessary regulations. The province also received an A grade on CFIB’s annual red tape report card for the fourth consecutive year.

Since 2019, Alberta’s government has eliminated nearly 220,000 regulatory requirements, a move CFIB estimates has saved Albertans and businesses more than $3 billion. The report card highlights Alberta’s continued focus on improving the business environment and encouraging investment across the province.

“We’re proud of our record and we’re always looking to make things better — and for good reason,” said Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction. “Reducing red tape helps Alberta businesses, taxpayers and families save time and money to create jobs and grow their business.”

CFIB also pointed to Alberta’s Automatic Yes Toolkit as a key driver of its success. The initiative streamlines and accelerates permit approvals by replacing unnecessary approvals with clear rules and firm timelines, holding government accountable for decision-making.

As part of its red tape reduction framework, Alberta requires ministries to offset any new regulations by removing existing ones — a measure designed to prevent regulatory growth and maintain a competitive, business-friendly environment.

“Earning both an A grade and the Golden Scissors Award reflects not only a government that listens and takes action to reduce burden, but also one that is continuously innovating to make life easier for Albertans,” said Keyli Loeppky, CFIB’s director of Alberta and interprovincial affairs.

The provincial government says red tape reduction is embedded across ministries, with regular reviews of rules and processes to ensure they remain efficient, necessary and responsive to the needs of Albertans and businesses.

Quick facts:

• Since 2019, Alberta has completed more than 700 red tape reduction initiatives, including 250 based directly on public and industry recommendations.

• The province met its 33 per cent red tape reduction target in 2024.

• Alberta has passed 10 red tape reduction bills since 2019, most recently the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2), passed in December 2025.