Cutting red tape starts at City Hall

I've often spoken about “red tape”--the processes or policies that add time and complication where there doesn't need to be any. Red tape comes between citizens and the City—the unnecessary challenges citizens face when they're just trying to live their lives and make their businesses successful.

To make Calgary an even better place to live and build a business, we need to cut red tape.

We began the program a month ago through the Mayor's Office. The first people we asked were the employees of the City of Calgary--many of whom see the red tape every day and are, therefore, the best people to point it out and recommend solutions.

I asked all employees this question: What is the #1 challenge Calgarians have expressed regarding red tape in your business area, and how can it be fixed?

The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. I've met so many City employees who are passionate about what they do—who are truly committed to making the lives of every Calgarian better by working at The City of Calgary. Their insight into how we can cut red tape is invaluable.

I'm pleased that we received more than 175 recommendations from employees throughout the organization. We're now striking a committee to review all the suggestions to cut red tape and then we will implement the ones we can.

But this is just the beginning of the Cut Red Tape program. I have asked my Council colleagues to approve a funding from Council's newly-created Innovation Fund to help implement many of the good ideas we've already received from employees. And, later this year, I hope to open up the Cut Red Tape program to all Calgarians.

- Mayor Naheed Nenshi