Minister Ali sidesteps question on whether red-tape reforms mean fewer public servants

Bill S-7, the Cutting Red Tape Act, promises $264-million in savings over 10 years, mostly for industry, but questions remain about staffing, regulatory capacity, and Indigenous consultation.

Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali speaks at a press conference in the National Press Theatre on Oct. 8, 2026, providing an update on the government’s Reduce Red Tape and Support Economic Growth and Competitiveness bill. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

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BY MZWANDILE PONCANA

October 11, 2026

Treasury Board President Shafqat Ali stopped short of a direct answer when asked at an Oct. 8 news conference on the Hill whether Ottawa’s drive for reduced red-tape assumes fewer federal public servants will be needed to grant approvals, carry out inspections, and handle ...

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