Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Standing Committee on Governance and Economic Development reviewed Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act at its meetings on March 20th and 23rd, 2000.
The committee would like to thank the Minister responsible for Transportation and his officials for presenting the bill and responding to the committee's questions. Members of the committee would also like to thank Mr. Ben McDonald, deputy mayor, and Mr. Doug Gillard from the City of Yellowknife for raising their concerns at the public hearing. The committee would also like to thank Dr. David King from the NWT Medical Association who, while not being present at the hearing, took the opportunity to communicate the association's endorsement of the amendments.
This bill repeals the seat belt exemption sections which were allowed for certain drivers and gives municipalities authority to make by-laws for bicycles, skateboards, sleds, skis, skates and in-line skates. This authority also includes the power to make by-laws which may require the use of personal protective equipment like helmets.
During the public hearing, the committee members heard about other issues relating to perceived shortcomings in the Motor Vehicles Act that were beyond the scope of Bill 5. The presentation by the City of Yellowknife highlighted a perceived weakness that exists in the legislation and is not addressed in the proposed amendments.
Their concern has to do with the lack of statutory authority in respect to the overloading of vehicles with passengers. This overloading results in a lack of proper seating restraints for occupants of the vehicle.
The Minister acknowledged this concern and promised to have his department look into the issue.
The second part of the amendment gives municipalities the power to make by-laws for the regulation of bicycles, skateboards, sleds, skis, skates and in-line skates on community streets and roads. This amendment provoked discussion concerning the definition of 'sled' within municipal boundaries and how such a definition may impact upon the use of sleds for the traditional and cultural pursuits of hauling, hunting, fishing and trapping. The majority of the Members of the committee were satisfied that the amendment will provide communities with enough discretion and flexibility to allow for regulation of these modes of transportation according to local conditions and sensibilities.
The committee notes that the bill comes into force on assent. The committee strongly encourages the department to engage in an extensive education campaign so that the public can be made aware of the removal of the seat-belt exemptions from the Motor Vehicles Act.
Mr. Chairman, the majority of the standing committee supports these proposed amendments and awaits discussion during the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill. This concludes the committee's comments on Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.