Transport Canada publishes ‘plain language’ dangerous goods rules, solicits comment

OTTAWA (Aug. 17, 1999) — Transport Canada has published proposed new “plain language” transportation of dangerous goods regulations and is now embarking on a 90-day comment period to solicit public reaction.

Appearing in a supplement of the Canada Gazette on Aug. 7 and at the Transport Canada Web site, the revised rules have been written in clear language to make them more accessible and understandable, the department said.

Transport Canada is formally accepting public comment on the proposed new rules through Nov. 5. The regulation is on track to take during the middle of next year.

Comments may be made in writing to: Linda Hume, Chief, Legislation and Regulations Division (ASDC), Transport Dangerous Goods Directorate, Transport Canada, 330 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5; e-mail: humel@tc.gc.ca. Hume’s telephone number is 613/998-0517; fax: 613/993-5925

Written comments on the regulatory impact analysis statement should be submitted to Kim O’Grady, Chief, Risk Evaluation Division (ASDE), Transport Dangerous Goods Directorate, 330 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5; e-mail: ogradyk@tc.gc.ca. O’Grady’s phone number is 613/990-1145.

At the conclusion of the formal comment period, changes resulting from public comment may be made and the document would then be published in Part II of the Canada Gazette. The regulations would then take effect six months later, with compliance with the new regulations being optional during that six-month transition period.

Transport Canada said it would acknowledge receipt of any comments, but not reply in detail until all comments have been reviewed.