Backgrounder—BizPaL Simplifies Permits and Licences for Canadian Businesses

Winnipeg, Manitoba, January 20, 2012—BizPaL is an online service that benefits Canadian businesses by helping them identify which permits and licences they require and how to obtain them. Entrepreneurs simply provide information on the type of business they want to start or expand and the activities they plan to undertake. BizPaL then automatically generates a list of all required permits and licences from all levels of government, along with basic information on each, and links to government sites where the entrepreneur can learn more and, in some cases, apply online.

BizPaL also benefits governments by making it easier for them to provide businesses with accurate information on permits and licences. Although the service is offered online, it can also be used through other service channels (i.e., telephone and in-person centres), extending services to more clients.

To date, 11 provinces and territories are participating in BizPaL, with more than 600 municipalities offering the service.

Industry Canada is the lead federal department for the BizPaL initiative, supporting the centralized functions of the project. The Government of Canada and the provincial and territorial governments are fully committed to creating a competitive business environment that supports innovation and reduces red tape.

As announced in Budget 2011, BizPaL will receive $3 million annually in funding, making the program permanent and allowing it to provide even greater value to small businesses. In the coming months, BizPaL will become available to more Canadians as additional municipalities join the program.

The success of BizPaL is due in part to the multi-jurisdictional partnership among federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments. The partnership operates under a shared governance and costing model with collaborative decision making. Each jurisdiction is responsible for adding and maintaining its own information in BizPaL.

The Manitoba BizPaL Office, housed within the Department of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade, is charged with engaging local governments to make this important service available across Manitoba. BizPaL is an integral component of Manitoba's Single Window for Business Initiative, which is focused on improving the accessibility of the Province's business information and services and helping to cut red tape. Area business owners and entrepreneurs can access BizPaL by visiting the Government of Manitoba's Business Portal.

Visit the BizPaL website for additional information.