Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister spoke to members of the rural media today, after the PC government ushered in the second session of the 41st Manitoba Legislature with its throne speech yesterday.

One commitment the government made in its throne speech was the reduction of government red tape -- regulations -- on industry, by establishing a red tape review task force. The Premier says there are many untapped opportunities in industries across Rural Manitoba, and government wants to make sure it's not obstructing those opportunities unnecessarily.

"We all understand the need for protections: environmental and work place safety regulations being examples," Pallister says. "But we want to make sure that we're not impeding development and investment in our own province at the expense of future jobs and industry opportunities. Employment opportunities broad-based in agriculture are critical to our success as a province going forward."

Pallister says the agriculture industry, in particular, is a major contributor to the province's gross domestic product, and he sees the opportunity to grow more in that sector.

"This is a key part of our red tape review," the Premier says. "We've already received some initial input from the (Manitoba) Pork Council and KAP. And we look forward to further dialogue leading to action in respect of making improvements that we think will assist in growing the industry."

The government said in its throne speech new legislation will be tabled in 2017 that will aim to increase regulatory accountability.