Governments of Canada and Ontario join forces to launch BizPaL in Sarnia

Free online business permit and licence service saves time, cuts red tape and helps entrepreneurs

SARNIA, ON, Oct. 2, 2017 /CNW/ - Starting and running a business in the City of Sarnia just became easier thanks to BizPaL, an online business permit and licence service that saves time spent on paperwork and helps entrepreneurs start up faster.

The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, is pleased to announce the implementation of BizPaL in the City of Sarnia, located in southwestern Ontario. This free online application is a directory of the permits and licences required to start or run a business. BizPaL saves business people time searching for information and, as a result, helps them meet their obligations more easily.

Quotes

"Small businesses are the engine of the economy. BizPaL cuts red tape, so that hardworking entrepreneurs and business owners can focus on what they do best: innovating and creating good middle-class jobs. Our government is proud to work with our provincial and municipal partners to give entrepreneurs the tools they need to run their businesses."
– The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism 

"The adoption of this tool, and its ongoing development, will help realize the goal of online access to government services for business people. It provides maximum simplicity and convenience in accessing government forms and information, 24/7, for the lowest possible cost. I am excited to see it begin and watch its growth and development."
– Matt Mitro, Councillor, City of Sarnia

Quick facts

• BizPaL, a unique collaboration between all levels of government, helps entrepreneurs find out which permits and licences they require to start and grow their businesses.
• The City of Sarnia is a progressive border municipality with a population of 72,000 residents.
• Sarnia signing on to BizPaL brings the number of local governments in Ontario involved in this program to 142.
• Small and medium-sized enterprises are the foundation of the economy, accounting for 99 percent of all businesses in Canada.
• To date, all provinces and territories are participating in BizPaL, with 934 municipalities and one First Nation offering the service, making it available to 79 percent of the Canadian population.

Related products

• Backgrounder: BizPaL simplifies access to information on permits and licences for Canadian businesses                                                                                                             

Associated links

• BizPaL
• Ontario BizPaL

Follow Minister Chagger on social media.
Twitter: @MinofSBT
Instagram: minofsbt

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada