Government Gets Award for Cutting Red Tape

Premier Tim Houston and his Atlantic counterparts were awarded the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) Golden Scissors Award today, for the creation of the Atlantic Physician Registry.

The registry allows fully licensed physicians to practise anywhere in Atlantic Canada, regardless of which Atlantic province is their home base.

Premier Tim Houston says, “The Atlantic provinces face many of the same healthcare challenges, and we are stronger when we work together to fix them.” He added, “This innovative solution advances our shared goal of transforming healthcare. I’m encouraged by this recognition and will continue to work tirelessly to remove red tape and give Nova Scotians better access to the care they deserve.”

The premiers and the registrars of the four colleges of physicians and surgeons delivered the Atlantic Physician Registry in May 2023. Physicians who opt in to the registry may move seamlessly among the Atlantic provinces to practise without restriction.

The CFIB’s annual Golden Scissors Award recognises people and governments who excel in red tape reduction.

The Registrar and CEO of Nova Scotia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons says, “The Atlantic registry has generated enormous national attention. Health Canada is now conducting research on its impact.” Dr. Gus Grant says, “It is being widely seen as a prototype for national licensure.”

Premier Houston led the implementation of the registry when he was Chair of the Council of the Atlantic Premiers in 2022.
One hundred and twenty-four physicians from New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador now hold full licences in Nova Scotia through the registry.

As of December 31st, more than 250,000 hours of red tape have been eliminated for Nova Scotia doctors.

The CFIB’s Red Tape Awareness Week is January 29 through February 2 for numerous sectors of the economy.

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