A new bill introduced into Alberta legislature on March 11 could ease demands on local business owners who need to interact with government.
Currently, provincial government programs issue business owners distinct identification for multiple interactions – including opening new accounts, registering businesses or obtaining liquor licenses.
Press secretary for Service Alberta Yonathan Sumamo said a single business number was a frequent request from small business owners.
“We want to promote Alberta’s economy, and we want to enable small businesses to succeed in this province,” Sumamo said.
“By reducing the red tape, (business owners) are able to focus on running their business.”
Airdrie Chamber of Commerce President Wade Cormier said, adopting a single business number when interacting with government could ease procedural demands for new business.
“It certainly lends itself to benefits,” he said. “I believe any reduction in red tape is certainly beneficial to startup companies. At the same time, we have to be careful that we are capturing all of the necessary (documents).”
The new legislation comes as part of Alberta’s Small Business Strategy, which was introduced by Premier Jim Prentice on Oct. 21, 2014.
“This was part of our consultation under the (strategy),” Sumamo said. “This was brought up a lot by small businesses as part of our consultation. We listened to what they wanted.”
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) already issues common business numbers for federal income tax purposes, and the new legislation will allow the Alberta government to use the same system.
“It seems to have worked successfully for the CRA,” Cormier said. “I think any business (that is) setting up, having a single number identifier (will help).”
If passed, the new program will be adopted for corporate registrations over the next two to three years, with further registrations to follow.
It is unknown when the program will return to the Legislature.
