New Democrat calls for increased motor vehicle safety

OTTAWA – While American car buyers are protected by robust oversight, regulation and enforcement, the federal government has left Canadians without the same protections.

Today, New Democrat Industry Critic Brian Masse (Windsor West) demanded that the government follow through on their commitment to implement reforms to the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (MVSA) and allocate additional resources for Transport Canada so that Canadians have the same robust oversight as consumers in the United States.

“On March 16 then Transport Minister John Baird promised me that we ‘can count on the full support of this government’,” said Masse. “But the conservatives have done nothing. Their inaction in dealing with Toyota exposed yet again the weaknesses and deficiencies of the MVSA, which have left Canadian consumers hung out to dry.”

In the U.S., Congressional hearings in Washington by several committees have lead to key commitments by Toyota Motor Corporation, including establishing an Automotive Centre of Quality Excellence.

The U.S. National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA), after thorough technical investigations levied a penalty of $16.4 million against Toyota – the largest fine ever enforced for a vehicle manufacturer.

There have been no equivalent actions in Canada.

“Transport Canada has to be able to order recalls, establish ‘early warning systems’, disclose worldwide data, levy civil penalties, institute mandatory standards for brake overrides, EDRs and all software protocols,” said Masse. “We need to modernize the Act – and we need to invest the resources needed to keep Canadian safe in their cars.”