Masse demands reforms to the Motor Vehicle Safety Act

OTTAWA – Following hearings into the Toyota vehicle recall, New Democrat Automotive Critic Brian Masse is calling for the government to implement reforms to the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and provide more resources to Transport Canada.

“Canadians deserve the same robust oversight, regulation and enforcement as consumers in the United States do,” said Masse. “Inaction by the Conservative government has left Canadian consumers with nothing compared to their American neighbours.”

New Democrats are calling for Transport Canada to have the power to order recalls, establish an ‘early warning system,’ and convert voluntary compliance to mandatory compliance. Additionally, the Transport Canada Defects Investigation unit needs to obtain the tools and additional staff resources it needs to deal with the complexity of modern vehicles. As of now they have only a staff of ten.

“Even Toyota stated at the committee hearings that Transport Canada needs more staff. The government has to stop leaving safety to foreign companies and make these changes to the legislation,” said Masse.

The National Highway Safety Administration’s is conducting a thorough examination of the electronic components and software of Toyota vehicles. Transport Canada has declined to investigate these Toyota components. But south of the border, investigations have led to major changes that are protecting U.S. consumers and Canadians as well.

“We should not have to depend on a foreign country’s regulators to protect our citizens,” said Masse.

Congressional hearings in Washington by several committees have led to commitments by Toyota Motor Corporation to disclose information that was previously withheld concerning vehicle recalls and remedies worldwide. Toyota has also stated it would establish an Automotive Centre of Quality Excellence with a significant investment of resources and personnel. There have been no equivalent announcements or commitments in Canada. The US Congressional hearings have also led to the release of documents detailing Toyota’s Washington lobbying office boasting of saving the company $100 million by not instituting recalls.