HALIFAX: Legislation introduced September 8, will reduce red tape and improve service for citizens and businesses by clarifying responsibilities, updating outdated provisions and reducing complexity.
The Service Efficiency Act makes administrative updates to more than a dozen existing acts aimed at improving service efficiency across government.
“Effective government depends on laws that are clear, current and fit for purpose,” said Timothy Halman, Minister of Service Efficiency.
“Regular service efficiency legislation helps keep laws up to date while preserving the protections and oversight Nova Scotians expect.”
The legislation will also rename the Department of Growth and Development as the Department of Growth, Development and Defence Industries, recognizing defence as a strategic economic priority and making it easier for industry, investors and governments to identify where to go for information and support.
The Department’s other priority sectors remain central to its mandate and ongoing work.
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Other elements of the legislation include:
– clarifying authority and removing duplication
– updating outdated provisions to better reflect current practices and modern digital processes
– updating governance structures to align with current ministerial, professional and municipal responsibilities.
The Service Efficiency Act builds on the Province’s ongoing work to support economic growth by reducing red tape, modernizing regulations and making it easier for Nova Scotians and businesses to navigate government.
A fact sheet outlining proposed changes to existing acts through the Service Efficiency Act is available at: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2026/09/08/province-introduces-legislation-reduce-red-tape-improve-service
Quick Facts:
-the Making Business Easier Act, passed last fall, included streamlined processes and regulations for the natural resource sector and improvements to permitting and licensing in other areas
– from 2021 to 2025, the government helped save businesses more than $21 million by cutting red tape, removing regulatory burden and improving service for Nova Scotians
– the Growth and Development budget had a $56.8-million increase in 2026-27 over the previous year
