Transport Canada is currently undergoing consultations on changes to the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORR) process under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. Transport Canada is proposing to simplify the process going forward by allowing municipalities to submit new requests for restriction regulations on recreational boating and have them quickly implemented. This will lead to a patchwork of restrictive regulations across the country that will interfere with the right of Canadians to access waterways.
We must encourage Transport Canada to ensure there is a formal consultation process with boaters before any future restrictions are implemented, and we must look for non-regulatory solutions.
The consultation period is now closed. Thank you for your support!
Here are our top recommendations submitted to government:
- Ensure there is an obligation to consult boat owners, boating and tourism industry associations:
Local authorities must retain their current obligation to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to seek expedient, cost-effective, and practical solutions before proposing regulatory restrictions. As such, boat owners and boating and tourism industry associations need to be consulted. This requirement should be preserved and reinforced through additional resources to facilitate standardized local consultations. - Respect the rules governing Ministerial Orders:
The adoption of a ministerial order should be an exceptional measure, necessitating rigorous analysis and objective criteria that align with the intent of the Cabinet Directive on Regulation and its four fundamental principles. - Review the duration of Ministerial Orders:
The two-year validity period granted to Ministerial Orders should be restricted to one year, with the option for a single one-year renewal for a specific area affected by one or a series of restrictions. - Set free and equitable access to waterways targets:
Transport Canada should establish concrete, measurable objectives concerning the promotion of free and equitable access to waterways.