Transport Canada Comes Clean On “Canoe Registry”
Wednesday, June 08, 2005 at 13:46
Northern Saskatchewan’s Member of Parliament says testimony heard in Ottawa this week proves what he’s been saying all along about what he calls the Liberals’ “canoe registry”.
A House of Commons Transport committee is reviewing the government’s proposed small water vessel regulations.
Jeremy Harrison has been critical of the plan, saying it will force experienced boat operators in the North to register their canoes. He also says they will have to travel to Vancouver and Halifax to obtain an operator’s licence.
On Monday, Transport Canada officials testified that there are no studies to prove that the new boat regulations will decrease water accidents or deaths.
They also reported that the department has not conducted a study of the economic impact the new regulations will have on industries or regions.
Harrison says the new rules will be a complete waste of time and money for northern residents.