OTTAWA - Today, in the House of Commons, Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country introduced Bill C-376 that seeks to reduce fatalities and accidents on Canadian roads by reducing the amount a person can drink and then legally drive. Minister of Justice Vic Toews seconded the Bill.

In his statement to the House Mr. Cannan noted that, “impaired driving remains the #1 cause of criminal death in Canada - more than all other causes of homicide combined.”

Cannan noted that youth between the ages of 16 and 19 are particularly vulnerable.  “I have teenage daughters,” said Cannan, “so this legislation hits close to home.  Like all parents, I want to do everything I can to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.”

Mr. Cannan’s bill is receiving the full support of Mothers Against Drunk Driving also known as MADD Canada

C-376 contains a number of provisions that complement the existing impaired driving offences under the Criminal Code while lowering the current BAC from .08% to .05%.   “These new provisions will provide our local police with a greater range of tools and greater discretion to take impaired drivers off the road,” said Cannan.
 
“The public is in favour of lowering the legal limit” said Cannan noting a November 2005 SES public opinion survey which showed that 73 % of Canadians believed the current legal drinking limits should be reduced. In that survey, when the proposed lower drinking limit was explained, 84% of Canadians felt this level was ‘about right’ or should be even lower.

“The Conservative Party has a long history in promoting lower BAC levels for impaired driving,” said Cannan.  “Senator Marjory Lebreton and MPs Dick Harris, Mark Warawa, and the late Chuck Cadman all introduced legislation to reduce the BAC to.05%. I am hopeful that this time Canadians will see tougher drinking and driving laws implemented,” he said.