B3 - DFO Red Tape Review

Red Tape Review

Objective and Expectations of Red Tape Review

• The Government of Canada launched a 60-day red tape review across regulatory departments to reduce administrative burden and support economic growth.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) conducted an internal review of its regulatory programs as directed and published the Red Tape Review Progress Report in September 2025.
• Goals: reduce paperwork, streamline processes, clarify rules, and improve service delivery while maintaining environmental protection and conservation commitments.

DFO Theme 1: Streamlining Regulatory Processes for Major Projects

• Complete reviews of all National Interest projects within two years.
• Implement simplified approaches for low-risk and routine projects.
• Streamline processes for higher-risk and major projects.

DFO Theme 2: Supporting the Fish & Seafood Sector

• Simplify administrative processes for Canadians, industry, and regulatory partners – including licensing and authorizations.
• Simplify various processes by using modern tools, including digital, to improve service delivery.
• Improve regulatory services by updating policies and guidelines for Canadians, industry, and partners.

DFO Theme 3: Greater Efficiency at the Border

• Improve services for the fish and seafood sector through collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
  • Embed a senior DFO program officer in CBSA to collaborate on:
    • procedural and operational changes; and,
    • regulatory design and development.

TBS-Led Horizontal Red Tape Reviews 2026

The Red Tape Reduction Office launched five horizontal red tape reviews, with public consultations from December 2025 to February 2026:

1. Supporting regulatory efficiency for project reviews
2. Getting products to market faster
3. Reducing barriers to business productivity
4. Supporting international trade and greater efficiency at the border
5. Enhancing regulatory service delivery