My question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. The government introduced its Fall Economic Statement yesterday. While I am disappointed the deficit is increasing by $22 billion, there are several new policy initiatives that the business community should appreciate. For instance, I welcome the creation of the red tape reduction office. Canada’s regulatory system, which often includes outdated and overly burdensome regulation, is in dire need of an overhaul. When this new office is launched, can you confirm that it will rely on current research and data to hit the ground running and avoid any delays? Our economy literally cannot afford months and years of further consultation when much work has already been done on the matter.

When I think of red tape and excessive government regulations, interprovincial trade barriers come to mind. The government is committing to publishing a list of specific restrictive measures that each province has in place that are preventing trade within Canada. Will the government rely on the good work of our Banking Committee’s 2016 report, Tear Down These Walls, which already suggested measures to eliminate these barriers and promote economic growth?