Service NL
December 28, 2017
Inclusion, Diversity and Strengthening Road Safety at the Forefront in 2017
The Provincial Government undertook a number of activities in 2017 to enhance inclusion, diversity and road safety in Newfoundland and Labrador.
In October, amendments were made to the Buildings Accessibility Regulations and the Designated Mobility Impaired Parking Regulations to improve accessibility and equity for all persons in Newfoundland and Labrador. The amendments represent the first step in government’s two-phased approach to addressing issues around buildings accessibility. The second phase will be a review of the Buildings Accessibility Act.
A number of changes were also made to the Highway Traffic Act to strengthen road safety in the province:
- In September, amendments came into effect which include tougher penalties for impaired drivers in the province. The amendments also include new rules that will help ensure young people develop safe and sober driving habits.
- In November, legislation was introduced in the House of Assembly which will increase penalties for a number of offences under the act. The amendments will result in significant increases to fines for a number of offences that are currently less than $100, with an aim of increasing compliance and enhancing public safety.
- In December, further amendments were made to the act to reduce excessive speeding, stunting and street racing by adding licence suspensions and vehicle impoundments as new penalties; move over provisions were enhanced by requiring drivers to reduce their speed by 30 kilometres per hour below the speed limit and move to an adjacent lane when approaching law enforcement or other emergency vehicles stopped at roadside; and a new offence for driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons causing bodily harm or death has also been added.
In July, government announced the start of a comprehensive review of the automobile insurance system in Newfoundland and Labrador. As part of this review, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) is conducting an independent closed claims study to better understand factors contributing to the rising automobile insurance claim costs in the province, as well as an audit of taxi claims costs to determine causes of the poor claim experience. Service NL will also conduct its own consultations, including exploring issues outside the scope of the PUB’s mandate. One such issue will be the rate-setting process itself.
Other initiatives completed by the department in 2017 include:
- An amendment to the Vital Statistics Act which eliminated the requirement for those 16 years of age and older to provide a statement from a designated professional with their application for a gender-neutral birth certificate.
- New secure driver’s licence and photo ID cards which will help protect Newfoundlanders and Labradorians against identity theft, fraud and forgery.
- Online appointment booking and text message alerts implemented at Motor Registration Division in Mount Pearl to improve customer service.
- Release of the Labrador West Medical Audit report.
- Service NL continued to be involved in matters related to the pension plans of Wabush Mines, including a reference under section 13 of the Judicature Act to the Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal regarding deemed trust provisions, which was heard in September.
Quote
“It is important that we, as a government, constantly review our legislation and regulations to ensure they are meeting the needs of the people of our province. Whether its road safety, inclusion for persons with disabilities, recognizing diversity or ensuring the future of a company’s pension plans, we must be responsive to the people we serve.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Service NL
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Learn More
New Impaired Driving Legislation Comes Into Force - gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/servicenl/0921n03.aspx
Changes to Highway Traffic Act Support Improved Road Safety - gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/servicenl/1109n09.aspx
Highway Traffic Act Changes Aim to Strengthen Road Safety - gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/servicenl/1204n08.aspx
Provincial Government Moving Forward with Gender Neutral Birth Certificates - gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/servicenl/0921n05.aspx
Amendments will Improve Accessibility and Equity for All Persons - gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/servicenl/1023n01.aspx
Provincial Government Mandates Review of Automobile Insurance - gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/servicenl/0704n02.aspx
Labrador West Medical Audit Report Released - gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/servicenl/0524n02.aspx
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ServiceNL_
Media contact
Gina MacArthur
Service NL
709-729-4748, 730-2977
GinaMacarthur@gov.nl.ca
2017 12 28 11:25 a.m.