BY SHONDELL SABAD, SENIOR STRATEGIC ADVISOR AT THE ALBERTA ENTERPRISE GROUP

On May 22, Alberta Enterprise Group (AEG) hosted a dynamic Red Tape Reduction Roundtable in Calgary, featuring Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, Dale Nally.  Joined by Executive Director Paul Bajcer and Assistant Deputy Minister Joffre Hotz, Minister Nally engaged in a frank and productive dialogue with AEG members.  The audience asked challenging, thoughtful questions, and the Minister—energetic, passionate, and deeply informed—took detailed notes and committed to real follow-through.

Among the many topics covered, two significant initiatives discussed were:

1. Streamlined Power Generation Approvals – Under the Alberta Utilities Commission’s Rule 007, projects between 1 MW and less than 10 MW can access a checklist-based, fast-tracked application process, removing the need for full hearings for low-risk, small-scale power generation.  This significantly reduces red tape without compromising safety or environmental oversight.
2. Automatic Yes Toolkit – A policy that introduces a defined “shot clock” for permit processing.  If a decision isn’t rendered within a set timeframe, approval is automatically granted.  This gives businesses much-needed certainty and helps keep projects on schedule. Learn more here.

Minister Nally was clear: Alberta has reduced red tape by 34%, but the work is far from over. Every ministry remains engaged in identifying redundancies and streamlining permitting processes across the board. He emphasized that this isn’t about cutting corners as people, safety, and the environment will not be compromised.  What’s being eliminated is inefficiency and outdated regulatory duplication. That is a message young entrepreneurs and next-generation business leaders need to hear: Alberta is open for business, and it is serious about getting out of the way.

AEG applauds the Minister and his team for their commitment and responsiveness.  We encourage our members and stakeholders to explore the latest Red Tape Reduction Annual Report (2023–24) and stay engaged in this important work.