Study to examine harmonized trucking policies in Atlantic Canada

FREDERICTON (June 25, 2002) — The Government of Canada, the four provincial governments in Atlantic Canada, and the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association have commissioned a study to assess the potential for developing a more uniform approach to trucking policies and regulations.

The project, called a “scoping” study, will list likely areas for harmonization in the region. In recent years, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island already have agreed on standards for vehicle weights and dimensions, permits for oversized and overweight vehicles, and policies regarding vehicle registration under the International Registration Plan.

“They want to keep the momentum going, and they’ve hired me to ask people in the region what should be next,” said Fred Nix, the consultant who is conducting the scoping study. The results of this study could lead to research into more specific issues, Nix said.

In a joint press release, the groups said the study is an important step in implementing a key aspect of a joint action plan released by the Council of Atlantic Premiers, which calls for the development and deployment of a harmonized trucking strategy. Among the issues under consideration: further regulatory harmonization, agreement on policies that support the export of Atlantic products, and the potential savings from integrating systems such as the motor vehicle registration.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) has provided $15,000 to fund the scoping study, which is expected to be compete by the end of next month.