Canada's National Safety Code Gets Funding

Canada's Transport Minister David Collenette has announced $17.8 million in funding to assist provinces and territories with implementation of the National Safety Code (NSC) for motor carriers. Collenette made the announcement in Halifax during a meeting of the Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety.

The National Safety Code consists of minimum performance standards for safe operation of commercial vehicles. Developed in 1987 and administered and enforced by Canadian provinces and territories, the NSC encourages trucking safety, promotes efficiency in the motor carrier industry, and harmonizes safety standards. Standards include hours of service, load securement, vehicle maintenance, and safety rating.

Transport Canada also has contributed $51 million to the provinces and territories to support the NSC. The latest round of funding, to be spent between 2001 and 2004, will be directed toward managing motor carrier operations in accordance with the new NSC safety rating provisions of the Motor Vehicle Transport Act.