New proposed powers provide the necessary tools to better protect Canadians on the road
OTTAWA, June 1, 2015 /CNW/ - Today the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, announced the Government of Canada's intention to introduce legislation in the House of Commons that will better protect Canadian motorists through new powers to order vehicle recalls. This new legislation was previously announced in Budget 2015.
If the legislation is passed, the new powers would allow the Minister to order manufacturers to fix recalled vehicles. The Minister could also order manufacturers or importers to pay for repairs and ensure new vehicles are fixed before they are sold to the public.
This would complement the powers given to the Minister last year to order a company to issue safety defect notices to consumers, further aligning Canada's recall process with the U.S.
In addition, manufacturers and importers could face fines through new administrative monetary penalties. These fines would be an alternative to prosecution to help address safety issues quickly.
Quick Facts
- Transport Canada's vehicle recalls database is available at www.tc.gc.ca/recalls.
- In Budget 2015, the Government committed to further strengthening the recall system by giving the Minister power to order recalls and levy administrative monetary penalties.
- In 2014, legislative changes were made to provide the Minister with the power to order companies to issue a Notice of Safety Defects in order to keep Canadians informed of issues with their vehicles. Previously, only companies could decide to issue notices.
Quote
"The safety and security of Canadians is my top priority and the Government of Canada takes consumer protection very seriously. While manufacturers and importers actively issue recalls, the decision cannot rest exclusively in industry's hands. This new proposed legislation will strengthen oversight of the recall process. This will be a big win for consumers and for the safety of all Canadians."
The Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Transport
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SOURCE Transport Canada
Zach Segal, Press Secretary, 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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