FIVE YEAR OBJECTIVE

Reduce regulatory, tax and policy issues that can inhibit development and investment.

SHORT-TERM ACTIONS (YEARS 1-2)

1. Engage a business-led, volunteer taskforce to undertake a competitiveness review of municipal and provincial regulations and taxes against benchmark cities with recommendations for reform. Ensure linkage to the Province’s Better Regulations Initiative.
   
   Lead: HRM
   Business Community Engagement: HIGH
   
   
2. Open for Business Team advocates for recommendations for improvement.
   
   Lead: HRM
   Business Community Engagement: HIGH

MEASUREMENT

• Construction approval speed
• Perception of business climate
• Competitive levels of public investment
• Competitive business tax burden