You can use this page to find information on planned regulatory initiatives that Transport Canada expects to bring forward over the next two years. The full versions of each plan are published in the Canada Gazette. It also lists public consultations that might interest you and departmental contact information for each planned initiative.
On this page
- Initiative(s) planned for Canada Gazette, Part I
- Regulations amending certain regulations under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Recall Information for Canadians)
- Regulations Amending the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (Automatic Emergency Braking Systems)
- Regulations Amending the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
- Regulations Amending certain regulations under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Information gathering)
- Initiative(s) planned for Canada Gazette, Part II
- Regulations Amending the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles)
- Administrative Monetary Penalties (Motor Vehicle Safety) Regulations
- Regulations amending certain regulations under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Exemptions labelling)
- Regulations Amending the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (School Buses)
- Regulations Amending the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (Product Identification Number) New!
Initiative(s) planned for Canada Gazette, Part I
Regulations amending certain regulations under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Recall Information for Canadians)
Enabling acts
Motor Vehicle Safety Act (S.C. 1993, c. 16)
Strengthening Motor Vehicle Safety for Canadians Act (S.C. 2018, c.2)
Description
The proposed regulatory changes to the regulations would introduce additional requirements for regulated companies to post specified information about safety recalls on their website. It would also require designated passenger vehicle and motorcycle companies (high-volume companies as established in a separate policy document) to have a free web-based service to allow consumers to search for vehicle-specific recall information using their 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN).
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
There may be business impacts.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
The proposed changes would improve alignment, where possible, with similar requirements in the United States.
Consultations
Transport Canada sought input from interested Canadians on the proposed changes through a public consultation period held in late 2020, on the Let's Talk Transportation platform. Following the notice, Transport Canada published an additional document in Spring 2021 to engage stakeholders in a pre-regulatory consultation. The department held information sessions to help guide interested parties through the document and hosted additional consultation sessions.
The proposed changes are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in early 2023 with a 75-day comment period.
Departmental contact information
Jean-Michel Roy
Acting Manager, Standards & Regulations
Multimodal and Road Safety Programs
Transport Canada
Email: Regulationsclerk-ASFB-Commisauxreglements@tc.gc.ca
First included in the Transport Canada's Forward Regulatory Plan: October 2018
Regulations Amending the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (Automatic Emergency Braking Systems)
Enabling acts
Motor Vehicle Safety Act (S.C. 1993, c. 16)
Description
The proposed regulatory changes would mandate that an automatic emergency braking system be fitted on most newly manufactured vehicles intended for use on public roads, ranging from light vehicles (e.g., passenger cars, pickups, minivans, and multi-purpose passenger vehicles) to heavy vehicles (e.g., truck tractors and buses, including school buses). Automatic emergency braking is a safety system which can help to reduce the severity of a collision or avoid it entirely by automatically applying the brakes when there is an immediate risk of hitting an object. Automatic emergency braking can function at high and low speeds and can potentially intervene in an impending collision with another vehicle or a pedestrian.
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
There may be business impacts.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
Departmental officials are considering ways to align any proposed regulations with those in other countries, where possible. Next steps include exploring an outcome-based approach, which could facilitate harmonization by avoiding Canadian-specific prescriptive requirements which may diverge from requirements in other countries.
Consultations
Transport Canada sought input from interested Canadians on the proposed regulations through a public consultation period held in late 2020, on the Let's Talk Transportation platform. Transport Canada engaged in further consultations with stakeholders in the spring of 2021.
The proposed changes are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in late 2023 with a 75-day comment period.
Departmental contact information
Jean-Michel Roy
Acting Manager, Standards & Regulations
Multimodal and Road Safety Programs
Transport Canada
Email: Regulationsclerk-ASFB-Commisauxreglements@tc.gc.ca
First included in the Transport Canada's Forward Regulatory Plan: August 2020
Regulations Amending the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
Enabling acts
Motor Vehicle Safety Act (S.C. 1993, c. 16)
Description
The proposed regulatory changes would encompass a variety of advanced driver assistance systems mandating that certain systems be fitted on newly manufactured vehicles while providing a set of minimum requirements for others. The individual advanced driver assistance systems are each applicable to a variety of vehicle types; therefore, the proposal would impact newly manufactured heavy, medium, and light vehicles as well as motorcycles. Advanced driver assistance systems encompass several different technologies which can either increase driver situational awareness or take control of steering, braking or throttle inputs. As such, they can have an impact on the safety of vehicle occupants and other road users including vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
There may be business impacts.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
Departmental officials are considering ways to align any proposed changes with those in other countries, where possible. The next step is to gather information on international requirements that may be applicable.
Consultations
Transport Canada sought input from interested Canadians on the proposed changes through a public consultation period held in late 2020, on the Let's Talk Transportation platform.
The proposed changes are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in late 2023 with a 75-day comment period.
Departmental contact information
Jean-Michel Roy
Acting Manager, Standards & Regulations
Multimodal and Road Safety Programs
Transport Canada
Email: Regulationsclerk-ASFB-Commisauxreglements@tc.gc.ca
First included in the Transport Canada's Forward Regulatory Plan: August 2020
Regulations Amending certain regulations under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Information gathering)
Enabling acts
Motor Vehicle Safety Act (S.C. 1993, c. 16)
Strengthening Motor Vehicle Safety for Canadians Act (S.C. 2018, c.2)
Description
The proposed regulatory changes would detail requirements for what records companies would be required to acquire and maintain for prescribed classes of vehicles.
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
There may be business impacts.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
The proposed changes would improve alignment, where possible, with similar requirements in the United States.
Consultations
Transport Canada sought input from interested Canadians on the proposed regulations through a public consultation period held in late 2020, on the Let's Talk Transportation platform. Transport Canada intends to engage with those who commented in further informal consultations.
The proposed changes are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in mid-2023 with a 75-day comment period.
Departmental contact information
Jean-Michel Roy
Acting Manager, Standards & Regulations
Multimodal and Road Safety Programs
Transport Canada
Email: Regulationsclerk-ASFB-Commisauxreglements@tc.gc.ca
First included in the Transport Canada's Forward Regulatory Plan: April 2021
Initiative(s) planned for Canada Gazette, Part II
Regulations Amending the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles)
Enabling act
Motor Vehicle Safety Act (S.C. 1993, c. 16)
Description
The proposed regulations would require electric and hybrid-electric vehicles to use a sound system to alert visually impaired persons that they're operating nearby.
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
There are no expected business impacts.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
It was proposed that the Canadian safety regulations may be changed to introduce Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 141, Minimum Noise Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, to align with requirements in Europe and the United States. Manufacturers would be given the choice of complying with the requirements of either the United States or United Nations regulations for the vehicles specified in the scope of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 141.
Transport Canada paused work on the change between mid-2018 and late 2019 pending ongoing discussions at the United Nations World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) regarding possible development of a quiet vehicles Global Technical Regulation. Although the United Nations quiet vehicles working group has not yet resumed, Transport Canada has restarted work on the changes to propose the new Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 141.
Consultations
Transport Canada asked for input from interested Canadians on the proposed regulations through a public consultation period held in early 2018 through the Let's Talk Transportation platform.
The proposed changes were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on April 24, 2021 with a 75-day public comment period.
The proposed changes are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in late 2022.
Departmental contact information
Jean-Michel Roy
Acting Manager, Standards & Regulations
Multimodal and Road Safety Programs
Transport Canada
Email: Regulationsclerk-ASFB-Commisauxreglements@tc.gc.ca
First included in the Transport Canada's Forward Regulatory Plan: April 2018
Administrative Monetary Penalties (Motor Vehicle Safety) Regulations
Enabling acts
Motor Vehicle Safety Act (S.C. 1993, c. 16)
Strengthening Motor Vehicle Safety for Canadians Act (S.C. 2018, c.2)
Description
This regulatory initiative is part of Transport Canada's Transportation Sector Regulatory Review Roadmap.
The proposed regulations is intended to strengthen the Minister of Transport's enforcement and compliance authorities in the area of road safety.
The Strengthening Motor Vehicle Safety for Canadians Act changed the Motor Vehicle Safety Act requirements by adding new provisions and authorities for issuing fines. The proposed regulations would introduce the requirements for the new administrative monetary penalty program that Transport Canada expects will be more efficient and effective than the current legislative process.
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
These proposed regulations will only apply to companies that fail to follow the requirements of the:
- Motor Vehicle Safety Act
- Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations
- Motor Vehicle Restraint System and Booster Seat Safety Regulations
- Motor Vehicle Tire Safety Regulations
Companies that do not follow the requirements of the Act or Regulations could be subject to an administrative monetary penalty, which would be less onerous on the Company and the Government compared to the current legislative process.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
The proposed regulations would improve alignment between modes that are regulated by Transport Canada with similar administrative monetary penalty provisions.
Consultations
Transport Canada sought input from interested Canadians on the proposed regulations through a public consultation period held in late 2020, on the Let's Talk Transportation platform. Transport Canada intends to engage with those who commented in further informal consultations in early 2021.
Transport Canada pre-published the proposed regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on May 7, 2022 with a 75-day public comment period.
Transport Canada plans to publish the proposed regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in early 2023.
Departmental contact information
Jean-Michel Roy
Acting Manager, Standards & Regulations
Multimodal and Road Safety Programs
Transport Canada
Email: Regulationsclerk-ASFB-Commisauxreglements@tc.gc.ca
First included in the Transport Canada's Forward Regulatory Plan: October 2018
Regulations amending certain regulations under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Vehicle Exemptions)
Enabling acts
Motor Vehicle Safety Act (S.C. 1993, c. 16)
Strengthening Motor Vehicle Safety for Canadians Act (S.C. 2018, c.2)
Description
This regulatory initiative is part of Transport Canada's Transportation Sector Regulatory Review Roadmap.
The Strengthening Motor Vehicle Safety for Canadians Act changed the Motor Vehicle Safety Act exemption requirements by removing the vehicle production quantity limitations and financial hardship wording. This added flexibility to the exemption process.
The proposed regulatory changes will align the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations with the changed Motor Vehicle Safety Act. It will update the Regulations to reflect the Minister's new authority to grant exemptions and provide alternative presentation of exemption information. It will also remove the financial hardship clause and allow temporary labels to be applied to surfaces other than glazing.
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
No impact is expected.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
No impact is expected. The proposed changes will respect both the North American Free Trade Agreement and Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.
Consultations
Transport Canada sought input from interested Canadians on the proposed regulations through a public consultation period which began in late 2020 and ended in early-2021.
Transport Canada pre-published the proposed changes in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on May 7, 2022 with a 75-day public comment period.
Transport Canada plans to publish the proposed changes in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in late 2023.
Departmental contact information
Jean-Michel Roy
Acting Manager, Standards & Regulations
Multimodal and Road Safety Programs
Transport Canada
Email: Regulationsclerk-ASFB-Commisauxreglements@tc.gc.ca
First included in the Transport Canada's Forward Regulatory Plan: October 2018
Regulations Amending the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (School Buses)
Enabling acts
Motor Vehicle Safety Act (S.C. 1993, c. 16)
Description
The proposed regulatory changes are tied to the recommendations of the Task Force on School Bus Safety established on January 21, 2019, by the federal, provincial, and territorial Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety.
School buses are the safest way to transport children to and from school, more so than any other means of transportation. Governed by some 40 federal safety standards, including the requirements for structural safety features, school buses are specifically designed to keep children safe during an accident. Even with this excellent safety record, there is room for improvement. The federal, provincial, and territorial Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety requested that the Task Force identify opportunities to further strengthen school bus safety.
In February 2020, the Task Force published its report which included recommendations that all jurisdictions explore the application of the following safety measures based on their assessed needs:
- infraction cameras: to help prevent dangerous incidents caused by passing motorists
- extended stop arms: to further deter motorists from passing while children are entering or leaving the bus
- exterior 360° cameras: to better detect and protect children and other vulnerable road users around the outside of the bus and
- automatic emergency braking: to help reduce the severity of a collision or avoid it entirely. Consideration should also be given to exploring ways to pair this feature with other technologies for increased safety.
The proposed changes would introduce requirements for infraction cameras, if installed, and require extended stop arms and exterior vehicle perimeter visibility systems on all newly manufactured school buses regulated under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act in Canada, while automatic emergency braking would be addressed under a separate regulatory initiative.
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
There may be business impacts.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
Departmental officials are considering ways to align any proposed regulations with those in other jurisdictions, where possible. The next step is to work with provincial and territorial counterparts, through the Task Force on school bus safety, in Transport Canada's proposal to regulate the above technologies on school buses.
Consultations
Transport Canada sought input from interested Canadians on the proposed changes through a public consultation period held in late 2020, on the Let's Talk Transportation platform.
Transport Canada pre-published the proposed changes in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on July 2, 2022 with a 75-day public comment period.
Transport Canada plans to publish the proposed changes in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in late 2023.
Departmental contact information
Jean-Michel Roy
Acting Manager, Standards & Regulations Multimodal and Road Safety Programs
Transport Canada
Email: Regulationsclerk-ASFB-Commisauxreglements@tc.gc.ca
First included in the Transport Canada's Forward Regulatory Plan: August 2020
Regulations Amending the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (Product Identification Number) New!
Enabling act
Motor Vehicle Safety Act (S.C. 1993, c. 16)
Description
The proposed regulatory changes would allow the use of a Product identification Number in the place of a Vehicle Identification Number for the prescribed class of restricted-use vehicles.
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
There may be business impacts.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
The proposed changes would align Canada with other parts of the world that accept the use of Product identification Numbers in the place of Vehicle identification Numbers for off-road vehicles.
Consultations
The proposed changes are exempted from publication (do not need to be published) in the Canada Gazette, Part I.
The proposed changes are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in late 2023.
Departmental contact information
Jean-Michel Roy
Acting Manager, Standards & Regulations
Multimodal and Road Safety Programs
Transport Canada
Email: Regulationsclerk-ASFB-Commisauxreglements@tc.gc.ca
First included in the Transport Canada's Forward Regulatory Plan: April 2022