Mr. Speaker, I wish to advise this Assembly that a number of productive discussions have recently taken place between my department and the Alberta Department of Transportation and Utilities. With the participation of the Regulatory Reform Secretariat and the Minister responsible for the Regulatory Reform Secretariat, the focus of these discussions has centred on the areas of regulatory harmonization and the reduction of barriers to trade for the motor carrier industry. The aim is to provide a seamless program between the two jurisdictions with the goal of increased highway safety, a smooth flow of goods across borders and ultimate cost benefits to our consumers.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the first step toward harmonization with Alberta was taken on May 29, 1998 when Premier Don Morin signed a Memorandum of Understanding on my behalf for the Partners in Compliance Program. The Partners in Compliance Program started as a joint and innovative program between Alberta Transportation and Utilities and the Alberta Trucking Association in 1995. Under the program, transportation carriers, including truck and bus operators, commit to a high level of compliance and safety performance based on a system of benchmarks reporting and general monitoring.
Carriers who participate in this voluntary safety program are rewarded with a number of operational and administrative considerations, such as reduced random inspections and less paperwork, in return for their increased commitment to highway safety. Government benefits from greater regulatory compliance, improved highway safety and the ability to refocus enforcement efforts and resources on those carriers requiring greater attention.
Mr. Speaker, the signing of this agreement means greater cooperation between Alberta and the Northwest Territories, as this program expands to include the Government of the Northwest Territories and the NWT Motor Transport Association. It is seen as the first step toward national and international participation in the Partners in Compliance program.
I am pleased at the cooperation shown between Alberta and the Northwest Territories and further, Mr. Speaker, I am very happy to implement a program aimed at improving motor carrier safety through the cooperation, trust and good judgement of responsible carriers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
--Applause