NLIS 2
June 11, 2003
(Government Services and Lands)

 

Minister comments on MADD Canada Report Card grade

George Sweeney, Minister of Government Services and Lands, commented today on the Report Card issued by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). The rating given to Newfoundland and Labrador is unchanged from the last report in 2000 despite major changes to provincial legislation.

"Government has sat at the table with stakeholders over the past several years to put itself in a position to bring forth changes to legislation to deal with impaired driving," said Minister Sweeney. "In fact, an Impaired Driving Committee was set up to discuss and recommend these changes."

The Impaired Driving Committee consisted of representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Newfoundland and Labrador Safety Council, the Department of Health and Community Services, the RNC, the Department of Government Services and Lands, the RCMP, the Department of Human Resources and Employment, and the Department of Justice.

The government passed legislation last fall which will strengthen several aspects of provincial impaired driving laws.

"As a government we have put priority on completing our Impaired Driving Initiatives and expect to implement regulations later this summer. Following the passage of Bill 20, it was necessary to draft regulations, call tenders for the Ignition Interlock Program, and follow normal legislative procedures to ensure proper procedures are followed.

"Once implemented, these changes will make Newfoundland and Labrador one of the toughest jurisdictions in Canada. The legislation provides for the implementation of an Ignition Interlock Program, 90 day administrative suspension, vehicle seizure and impoundment, and increased driver suspensions.

"We are pleased that MADD recognized this province for having the best Graduated Licencing Program in the country. I am confident that our actions as a government, as well as the collaborative efforts of organizations such as MADD, will continue to have a positive effect on driving safety in our province. The partnership between law enforcement agencies, the Government, and MADD will continue into the future," said Minister Sweeney.

Media contact: Jeff Mackey, Communications, (709) 729-4860

2003 06 11                                      12:35 p.m.


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