On October 31, 2006, Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country, introduced Bill C-376 in the House of Commons. Bill C-376 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.

“This legislation will not punish people who enjoy consuming alcoholic beverages. It does not impede one’s ability to drive. It does say however that our laws need to reflect the true risks of getting into a car after we have consumed alcohol. As we head into the Christmas season we want to be particularly vigilant. Bill C-376 will make our roads safer and will greatly reduce the numbers of Canadians being killed and injured by impaired drivers,” concluded Cannan.

Passage Through the House of Commons
Mr. Cannan’s Private Members’ Bill is at the second reading stage in the House of Commons. First reading is deemed completed once the Bill is introduced and tabled in the House. There will be two one hour debates on the Bill followed by the second reading vote which will determine whether or not the Bill is referred to Committee. If the Bill passes at second reading it will be referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights for consideration. At this point the Bill will be reviewed and amendments to the Bill may be made. The Committee then determines whether or not the Bill should proceed. The Bill is reported back to the House by the Committee (Report Stage) with or without amendments. If the Bill proceeds it then must complete Report Stage and Third Reading in the time remaining before it is sent to the Senate for consideration.

The Senate reviews the Bill in a similar process as the House of Commons. Once the Bill has passed all stages it is referred back to the House of Commons. If the Senate makes amendments to the Bill the House of Commons must accept the amendments or if rejected, send it back to the Senate for changes. Once passed by the Senate the Bill receives Royal Assent and becomes law on the day specified within the Bill.

The first of the two hours of debate on the bill is currently scheduled for February 6th, 2007 at 5:30 pm.