VICTORIA - British Columbia is continuing its commitment to make it easier for small businesses to do business throughout the province by officially proclaiming Jan. 27-31 "Red Tape Awareness Week".

Held in conjunction with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), the event raises public awareness about the cost of excessive regulations on small business and citizens and to recognize government efforts to reduce red tape.

As part of the week, Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business Naomi Yamamoto has been nominated by the CFIB for a Golden Scissors Award, which recognizes Canadians who have produced meaningful and positive results in cutting red tape for small business.

Yamamoto's nomination comes from her work to expand the Mobile Business Licence (MBL) program, allowing mobile businesses (e.g., contractors and caterers) to operate across participating municipalities. In 2013, the MBL program expanded with four additional agreements covering 30 communities. In total there are now 69 communities throughout B.C. participating in the program.

The MBL reflects the Province's continued commitment to work in partnership with local governments to promote the success of the small business sector, and to reduce barriers to doing business in the province. The winner of the Golden Scissors Award will be announced by the CFIB on Jan. 30.

Over the past year, B.C. has worked with the CFIB to consult the small business community to identify a series of simple and effective reforms to reduce red tape. Acknowledging that more work needs to be done, tomorrow government will announce five strategies that will further reduce red tape for small businesses across the province. The CFIB will also award British Columbia with a letter grade as part of their Red Tape Report Card.