Mr. Speaker, I just want to follow up on my Member’s statement where I spoke about ignition interlock devices. A constituent from Fort Simpson recently advised me that Alberta is instituting theirs beginning July 1. In the 15th Assembly I did raise it in this House with the Minister of Transportation then. I’d just like to know how much work is being done with the ignition interlock device issue within our government and within the Ministry of Transportation.
The honourable Minister of Transportation, Mr. Yakeleya.
Mr. Speaker, the Member has raised a very good point. The Member has also spoken very strongly in terms of this issue.
Certainly, safety is our number one concern. I want to say that we’re working on a program called the problem drivers program. We are looking at implementing this program, building the business case for it, and one of the components is the ignition interlock device. We’re coming to the point now where we’d like to see if this program could be implemented in the Northwest Territories.
Thank you very much. I’m very glad to hear they’re seeking not only that but other alternatives. I’d just like to know once again: how soon are they looking at implementing such a program? And do interlock devices require separate legislation, or will they be including that in any amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act?
The ignition interlock device — we certainly want to implement it as soon as possible. Our department right now is building a business case in terms of federal regulations and our Motor Vehicles Act amendments. We’re looking at all of this. Hopefully, we’ll have this together, and hopefully, we can implement this program as soon as possible.
Certainly, we’ll notify and work with all the Members in terms of how soon we can get this device on the road. We look forward to discouraging drinking and driving on public roads for the safety of our people.
I’m just concerned that if the department puts it off too long and tries to encompass the many, many changes that are contemplated for the Motor Vehicles Act, they’ll just push the date back for this. I’m just wondering if they’ve examined the possibility of doing separate legislation just for this alone.
With our assessment in putting forward a business case, it is the department’s view that if we can do it as soon as possible without other types of amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, we will certainly do it. We’ll look at our existing legislation and look at how soon we can implement this program. I believe we can do it as soon as possible.
Certainly, we’d get back to the Member in terms of putting this program in place right away so that we will discourage drinking and driving and keep our roads safe.
If the Minister can provide any of the details he’s talking about, or any documentation, that would be helpful to me and my constituents. Certainly, he’ll have my support in moving this forward too.
I’d be happy to work with all the MLAs. Certainly, Mr. Menicoche has raised a very important issue regarding our safety and transportation, and it helps us with this issue. I will certainly work with him in terms of this constituent in the Nahendeh riding and this issue. We also offer training for drivers in terms of safety on the road. I will continue working with the Member in terms of providing safety to our travelling public.
Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Hawkins.
