Enhanced ability to deal with unsafe vehicles among amendments to improve safety for Canadians

Legislative amendments will allow minister to order manufacturers to issue Notice of Defects for unsafe vehicles, accelerate decision-making and improve alignment wth the U.S.

OTTAWA, March 28, 2014 /CNW/ - Legislative amendments to the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (MVSA), the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (TDGA), 1992, and the Railway Safety Act (RSA), included in the Economic Action Plan 2014 Act, No. 1 introduced today in Parliament, will enhance Canada's ability to deal with unsafe vehicles and support regulatory alignment under the Canada-U.S. Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC).

The amendments to the MVSA introduce measures to accelerate and streamline the regulatory process, reduce the administrative burden for manufacturers and importers, improve oversight procedures and enhance the availability of vehicle safety information, thereby encouraging trade and competitiveness, while also improving safety for Canadians.  Among these changes is the ability for the government to order a company to inform consumers of safety defects in their vehicles, through a notice of defect. A notice of defect may lead to a recall.

The amendments to the TDGA and the RSA will allow the government to speed up regulatory approvals in emergencies or when amendments to regulations are minor and administrative in nature.

Transport Canada's regulatory activity focuses on safety and security while supporting the efficiency and environmental sustainability of the national transportation system. The department works closely with U.S. and other counterparts to align regulations - supporting economic growth and job creation, and benefiting Canadian industry and consumers.

Quick Facts

• Transport Canada's Defect and Recalls Program receives documents and examines complaints from the public on possible safety-related defects with their vehicles, child seats and tires.
• Under the RSA, the Minister of Transport may issue emergency directives to compel a railway company to cease unsafe activities.  The Minister may also issue directives to compel the mitigation of immediate threats to safe railway operations.

Quote

"Aligning regulatory requirements between Canada and the United States, under the RCC, has many benefits to industry stakeholders and Canadians. Regulatory alignment translates into lower manufacturing costs and greater product accessibility on both sides of the border while maintaining the highest safety standards. That is the primary goal, to ensure the safety of Canadians."
The Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport

Related Products

• Backgrounders

Related Links:

Regulatory Cooperation Council Website

SOURCE: Transport Canada

Ashley Kelahear
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
613-991-0700

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055

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