GOVERNMENT PICKS UP HILL’S IGNITION INTERLOCK LEGISLATION       

December 5, 2001         

OTTAWA-This afternoon in the House of Commons the Liberal Justice Minister introduced an amendment to the criminal code that would permit courts to authorize repeat offenders who are subject to driving prohibition orders to drive providing they register in a provincial alcohol ignition interlock device program. In doing so, the government will be bringing into law the provisions of Private Member’s Bill C-266 originally introduced by Jay Hill, MP (Prince George-Peace River) on October 27th, 1997.   

“While I am pleased to see that the government has picked up on the need for this legislation, it is still only one small step in the fight against drunk driving,” stated Hill, “it is embarrassing that the government has once again been lagging behind the provinces in taking action in strengthening our legislation to deal with repeat offenders.” 

Hill was referring to Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Yukon as jurisdictions that, in the last year, have introduced new legislation dealing with drunk drivers. Ontario and Saskatchewan are the only jurisdictions that currently have interlock legislation. 

“There is an overwhelming amount of research that proves that the use of ignition interlock devices would reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads,” continued Hill, “when you consider that drunk drivers kill an average of 4.5 people and injure 125 in Canada every 24 hours, each day, every day of the week, this is an important new tool in the fight against recidivism.” 

An ignition interlock is a sophisticated breath alcohol testing instrument which is installed in a vehicle in a way that links its operation to that of the ignition, starter, electrical and other on board systems. The user must take and pass a breath test before the vehicle can be started or driven. Re-tests are also required at random times while the engine is running. 

“Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) should also be very proud this afternoon, the introduction of this Bill is a recognition of and testament to the excellent work they do each year in their pursuit to eradicate drinking and driving in Canada.”