STOP FURTHER RESTRICTIONS ON BOATERS!

SENATE OF CANADA BILL S-26, a Private Member’s Bill entitled “An Act Concerning Personal Watercraft in Navigable Waters” proposes to enact “further restrictions” on the use of Personal Watercraft. We feel that this Bill is fundamentally flawed and gives local municipalities, provincial parks and even cottage associations the ability to request the BANNING OF PWC’s.

WHAT OTHER BOATING ACTIVITY IS NEXT???

Bill S - 26 is potentially the most dangerous piece of legislation that has targeted recreational boating in many years. In its present form, Bill S - 26 proposes to regulate only PWCs. However, if passed and proven to be effective it would be very simple to expand the scope so that it might become possible to regulate all other forms of recreational boating. Due to manner by which Bill S -26 proposes to create the regulations, any expansion of the authority of Bill S -26 would have a very serious negative impact on recreational boating. (Page Top)

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For questions or for further information, please contact:
Canadian Marine Manufacturers Association (CMMA)
243 North Service Road West, Suite 106, Oakville, ON L6M 3E5
Email: scurrie@cmma.ca
Phone: 905-845-4999 ext. 223

MAKE SURE THAT YOU ACT TO DEFEAT THIS BILL!

WE MUST ACT NOW!
This Act proposes to enact “further restrictions” on the use of PWCs beyond those governing motor boats which are presently in the Boating Restriction Regulations (BRR). The stated reason for this is that the BRR’s provide “insufficient regulation” and that PWCs have “particular safety and environmental problems associated with their use”. The preamble concludes that “further restrictions on their use are desirable”. This Act is not only fundamentally flawed, its grossly unfair!

• Its sole goal is to discriminate against PWC’s use on the waterways of Canada.

• Coast Guard currently permits restrictions on power boats, speed limits and power limits. PWCs are presently treated just like any other power boat.

• If PWCs are singled out for this kind of discrimination, what type of vessel will be next?

• It ignores Canadian Coast Guard studies which show PWCs have the same safety record as conventional powerboats.

• It ignores environmental studies showing that PWCs have little or no impact on marine plants, fish and wildlife.

• It ignores studies that show PWCs have the same engine emission levels as outboard engines.

• It would allow cottage associations, provincial parks and other groups to ask for a BAN or RESTRICTION on PWC operation.

• It doesn’t even require consultation with boaters! (Page Top)