Transportation is a big part of life in Canada, and we rely on it every day. But sometimes old rules and extra steps slow things down. This can raise costs, and make it harder for people and businesses to get where they need to go.
In 2024, the transportation and warehousing added more than $96 billion in Canada’s economy. Our system also moved $1.56 trillion of international trade and kept trade moving within the country. A safe and reliable transportation network does more than just make life easier. It helps protect Canada’s sovereignty, creates jobs, and helps the economy grow in every part of the country.
Why this matters
Cutting red tape means removing unnecessary barriers, simplifying approvals, and updating rules so they work for today, while still protecting Canada’s strong safety, security, and environmental standards.
We’re working to make it easier for businesses to work. These changes will:
- save time and money
- open the doors for new technologies
- improve program delivery, and
- make it easier for businesses to follow regulations
This will help reduce red tape for the transportation sector by making transportation faster, simpler, and more affordable. Simply put, it means:
- Faster service: Less time spent waiting for approvals or permits
- Lower costs: Less paperwork can mean savings for businesses — and you
- Simpler processes: Clear rules make it easier to ship goods, and do business
- Better results: Updated regulations keep pace with innovation, from cleaner fuels to new technology
What we’re doing
We’re cutting red tape by focusing on 5 key areas. Each area includes projects that will help make transportation faster, simpler, and more affordable.
Increasing flexibility for industry
Helping businesses meet safety rules in ways that are cheaper and more flexible, while keeping high safety and security standards.
Aligning with international standards
Working with other countries to reduce paperwork for business and make it easier for them to work globally.
Improving service delivery
Offering quicker, more predictable services with fewer delays.
Supporting innovation by removing restrictions
Updating or making rules more flexible to help industry test and use new technologies that boost productivity and lower costs.
Removing outdated regulations
Getting rid of rules that are no longer useful or have been replaced.
Read the Transport Canada’s Progress Report on the Red Tape Review