Harper Government introduces Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations to support the International Bridges and Tunnels Act

OTTAWA, Aug. 1, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced that under new regulations, the Government of Canada has established an efficient and effective method outside of the courts to address violations under the International Bridges and Tunnels Act.

"These new regulations improve the Government of Canada's ability to efficiently oversee international bridges and tunnels," said Minister Lebel. "They will help ensure important infrastructure continues to operate safely and effectively."

The Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations (International Bridges and Tunnels) will help enforce the federal government's oversight responsibility for the operation, maintenance and security of international bridges and tunnels. The International Bridges and Tunnels Act and its associated regulations require owners of Canada's international bridges and tunnels to inspect these structures and report regularly to the Minister of Transport on their safety.

The regulations introduce a ticketing system by establishing fines for infractions under the act and regulations. For example, penalties could be imposed for the start construction of an international bridge without government approval or if a corporate owner fails to submit an inspection report to the Minister. These penalties will encourage compliance, while offering a quick and effective enforcement tool for most offences. Penalties will range from a maximum of $5,000 per day for individuals to a maximum of $25,000 per day for corporations.

The Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations (International Bridges and Tunnels) were pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on January 29, 2011. A comment period followed, during which interested parties provided their views to Transport Canada. After considering the comments received, the department obtained final approval for publication. The regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on August1, 2012.

There are currently 25 vehicular international bridges and tunnels, and nine international railway structures with various forms of ownership and governance covered under the act.

For more information about the regulations, please visit www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2012/2012-08-01/html/sor-dors149-eng.html.

SOURCE: Transport Canada

Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and
Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055

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