Evidence of meeting #43 for Transport, Infrastructure and Communities in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was mexico.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Director General, Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation, Department of Transport
I would say that we have been in continuous contact with our Mexican colleagues and we have consulted with them.
With regard to tabling of legislation, that's not my purview to comment on, but I would like to assure members that we have been in very close contact with the parties in Mexico to make sure that any sensitivities they may have were dealt with in a proactive manner.
Conservative
Brian Jean Conservative Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB
Thank you.
Mr. Ram, do you work for Transport Canada?
December 9th, 2010 / 11:15 a.m.
Director General, Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation, Department of Transport
Yes, sir.
Conservative
Director General, Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation, Department of Transport
About four and a half years.
Conservative
Brian Jean Conservative Fort McMurray—Athabasca, AB
I heard a rumour that you were the most valuable employee of Transport Canada. Is that true?
Director General, Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation, Department of Transport
Thank you for an early Christmas present.
Conservative
NDP
Dennis Bevington NDP Western Arctic, NT
Thanks to the witnesses for being here today.
I'm curious. There are many differences between Mexican and Canadian vehicles. One of them is in terms of daylight running.... What kinds of regulations are in place in Mexico, in terms of the importation of Canadian vehicles that may not meet up to their standards?
Director General, Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation, Department of Transport
With regard to the Mexican requirements, that's for them to determine in order to meet their safety and environmental needs. As far as we're concerned in Canada, we have the authority to establish what's needed to ensure the safety of the Canadian public and to protect the environment.
With regard to daytime running lights, it's a good question. I'd like to say that it's not even a requirement in the U.S.; it is a requirement in Canada. So vehicles that are imported from the U.S., in fact, have to be modified if they do not already meet the requirement for daytime running lights. With regard to Mexico, we'd be treating those vehicles in exactly the same manner.
NDP
Dennis Bevington NDP Western Arctic, NT
Are you not familiar with what the Mexicans have done to set standards for the importation of used vehicles from Canada?
Director General, Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation, Department of Transport
We are. Actually, they have two very minimal requirements. The safety standard requirements in Mexico are not terribly expansive at this stage. In the course of time, Mexico may choose to adopt/adapt Canadian, European, American standards, but at this time we're aware of only two, and they do not have safety standards for the vast majority of vehicles.
Director General, Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation, Department of Transport
There is one with regard to buses and another with regard to tow trucks, I believe.
NDP
Dennis Bevington NDP Western Arctic, NT
Okay. Basically, then, any vehicle from Mexico would have to meet all Canadian safety standards. Is that the position of the department going forward with regulations?
Director General, Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation, Department of Transport
Yes, indeed, Mr. Chair.
NDP
Dennis Bevington NDP Western Arctic, NT
And now in terms of the timing of this, is there an obligation under NAFTA to have this law in place in a timely fashion or with a deadline?
Director General, Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation, Department of Transport
Mr. Chair, we're not in compliance with NAFTA currently. The objective is to try to rectify that and enable the importation of vehicles from Mexico in as timely a manner as possible going forward.
NDP
Dennis Bevington NDP Western Arctic, NT
Are there any penalties now for the fact that we're not in compliance? What is the legal position of the two countries?
Director General, Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation, Department of Transport
There is no penalty. There is a potential irritant, and that's why we're choosing to move forward as quickly as possible in order to prevent any potential issues.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Merv Tweed
Are there further questions?
Okay. Seeing none, we shall move into clause-by-clause.
Clause 1 is postponed until the end.
(Clause 2 agreed to)
Seeing no amendments, if—
NDP
Dennis Bevington NDP Western Arctic, NT
On a point of order, Mr. Chair, I don't mind going along with approving these clause by clause, but I reserve the right to propose amendments without any sanction, as I received one time from this committee.
Conservative