CVMA Supports the Canada/United States Regulatory Cooperation Council Joint Forward Plan

TORONTO, Aug. 29, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA) is supportive of the "Joint Forward Plan" released by the Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC), on August 29^th, 2014.

The Joint Forward Plan now frames the approach whereby Canadian and U.S. regulatory agencies will develop Regulatory Partnership Statements that will be the means for enhanced cooperation and joint regulatory development activity on an ongoing basis, providing even greater efficiencies for governments and industry that will ultimately benefit consumers.  The RCC is to be commended for its success in developing the Joint Forward Plan. By institutionalizing the regulatory cooperation between regulatory agencies, the much needed process and mechanism for joint cooperation and alignment of future new regulations and policies will minimize the creation of  regulatory misalignments and provide greater predictability for industry, said Mark Nantais, President.

The initial work plan of 29 initiatives launched in December 2011 was critical in establishing a much needed partnership arrangement and a framework for more bilateral cooperation, taking specific steps for joint cooperation and alignment of existing and future regulations.  On a bi-national basis, CVMA and its member companies have been clear about their support for the RCC action plans, not just in the area of vehicle safety standards but also as the plans call for harmonization of Canadian and U.S. vehicle emissions standards, and substantial progress in harmonizing those standards has proven itself.

About the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA)

The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association is the industry association that has represented Canada's leading manufacturers of light and heavy duty motor vehicles for more than 85 years. Its membership includes Chrysler Canada Inc.; Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited and General Motors of Canada Limited. Collectively its members account for 62% of vehicles produced in Canada, operate 5 vehicle assembly plants as well as engine and components plants, and have over 1,300 dealerships. 115,000 jobs are directly tied to vehicle assembly in Canada. Direct and indirect jobs associated with vehicle manufacturing are estimated at over 500,000 across Canada. Please visit www.cvma.ca.

SOURCE: Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA)

Mark Nantais, President, Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, 416.364.9333