May 22, 2019
Manitoba Government Receives Preliminary Planning, Zoning and Permitting Report
– – –Report Outlines Program Review Scope, Work Plan and Economic Modelling: Premier
The preliminary report on the planning, zoning and permitting review being undertaken by Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) was released by the Manitoba government today. It summarizes the investigative work undertaken by TBS to date, which includes a review of best practices across Canada.
“Reviews like this are important to ensure Manitobans are getting value for money, that due process is part of all evidence-based decision-making and that Manitoba remains an attractive place to do business,” said Premier Brian Pallister. “These efforts will help to ensure that red tape is not driving business and investment away. We know the dollar amounts at stake are enormous – not to mention the frustration being felt by many Manitobans.”
Approximately 50 individuals have already been interviewed by TBS staff, including developers, professional organizations, and current and former executives of Manitoba Hydro, the Office the Fire Commissioner, the City of Winnipeg, and rural municipalities and planning districts. TBS has also indicated it is collaborating with deputy ministers across the public service in the development of the report and its recommendations.
TBS staff are working with the Department of Finance Fiscal Research Division and the Manitoba Bureau of Statistics to review a large number of existing and external economic models to develop a predictive approach model that measures the correlation between permitting timelines and economic activity in the province. This will allow the findings of the review to be quantified in terms of impact on economic development. It will enable the government to measure the extent to which unnecessary delays are costing the economy in terms of private-sector investment, and the expected benefits of fixing them, the premier noted.
“This review was initiated to identify ways for improving the efficiency of permitting and inspection processes related to land use and development in Manitoba, with a view toward reducing red tape and facilitating economic growth,” said Pallister. “It responds to concerns raised by Manitobans during consultations led by the Red Tape Reduction Task Force, and is a continuation of our efforts to improve performance and outcomes in these areas.”
The government has pro-actively released the preliminary report today, which is publicly available for review at: www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/proactive/planning_zoning_permitting_preliminary_report_2019.pdf.
TBS expects an interim findings report will be finalized next week. It will also be proactively disclosed to the public. In the following weeks, TBS will finalize its specific recommendations to government.
- 30 -