MEMBERSHIP:

All CRA members (or designates)

RECORD OF DECISIONS REFERENCE:

Standing Committee on Compliance and Regulatory Affairs, May/08
Board of Directors, May/08

REPORTING TO:

Standing Committee on Compliance and Regulatory Affairs

BACKGROUND:

Certain specialized industries (roadbuilding, oil patch and log-hauling) have reacted to the new commercial vehicle drivers hours of service regime and reported the problems they were having trying to comply with the new regime to various Canadian government authorities. Other applications for exemptions have also been submitted directly to some of these jurisdictions. CRA officials are concerned about the potential domino effect associated with the granting of special sector allowances among jurisdictions.

As a result, it was agreed the attached process be used to promote a harmonized approach to regulating motor carriers that fall exclusively under provincial/territorial jurisdiction. Deviations/exemptions are to apply only to provincial regulation, and provinces and territories will have the option of harmonizing their regulations accordingly based on the approved recommended solution. Recommendations from the panel will be submitted to CRA and the CCMTA Board for approval as each jurisdiction sees fit. Extraprovincial carriers will be redirected to Transport Canada.

MANDATE:

Using the criteria set out in the Board-approved document entitled "Proposed Screening Criteria for Alternative HoS Regimes", analyze applications it receives and make recommendations to CRA and the CCMTA Board.

It is hoped the panel’s recommendations will lead to better harmonization of intraprovincial regulations between jurisdictions, and provide a sanctioned framework to considering local/regional requests for special allowances under provincial/territorial HoS Regulations. However, each jurisdiction remains responsible for incorporating the Board-approved recommendations into their laws, regulations, policies or rules.

DEADLINES:

TBD

STATUS:

Ongoing

November 2009