Making processes simpler

Sometimes regulations, forms, or processes can be harder than they need to be. When they create extra steps, confusion, or delays without a clear benefit, that’s considered red tape. Reducing red tape supports economic growth and investment certainty by improving the efficiency, predictability and consistency of regulatory systems and administrative processes.

By simplifying processes, we help businesses operate more efficiently, accelerate decision-making, reduce costs, and support a strong and accessible economy.

What counts as red tape?

Red tape is considered a systemic business practice within the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) characterized by a formal (enforced) set of rules, regulations, policies, guidelines, procedures, or forms that are excessive, duplicative, or unnecessary, and that create financial, operational, or time based compliance costs for individuals, businesses, organizations, or GNWT staff.

You may be experiencing red tape if something is:

• hard to understand;
• takes longer than it should;
• repeated or duplicated;
• too rigid or outdated; or
• adding work without improving results.

How this work is supported

Efforts to reduce red tape focus on improving:

• GNWT services and processes, and
• regulatory requirements that affect businesses and residents

Different GNWT departments work together to review and address issues, depending on the type of concern led by the Department of Finance.

Share your experience

If you’ve run into a process that feels too complicated or slow, your feedback can help improve it. You can:

• Complete the Red Tape Survey
• Email your example: redtape@gov.nt.ca

Submissions are reviewed and shared with the appropriate area for follow-up. 

The Department of Finance will acknowledge submissions within five business days. Each submission is assessed, triaged and investigated, and responses are provided directly to the individual who submitted it. Insights from all submissions help inform ongoing red tape reduction efforts.

If a submission is not considered red tape, or if no further action is required following review, it may be referred to the relevant department or agency for follow-up.

For GNWT employees

Employees see firsthand where processes can be improved. If a requirement slows down your work, creates duplication, or adds steps without improving outcomes, it may be red tape.

You’re encouraged to:

• raise ideas through your manager; and
• share examples directly at redtape@gov.nt.ca

You can also visit BearNet for more information and internal resources.