FREDERICTON — New Brunswick is resisting renewed calls to make winter tires mandatory, as provinces across the country take different approaches with legislative measures on the annual slip and slide of winter driving.
Green Leader David Coon says, just like seatbelts, mandatory winter tires would make it safer for motorists.
But New Brunswick Public Safety Minister Denis Landry says while he encourages the use of winter tires, he has no plan to make their use mandatory.
He said while they are the law in Quebec, it didn't stop buses, police cars and plows from sliding in videos that went viral on social media last week.
In Quebec, winter tires are mandatory between Dec. 15 and March 15, while British Columbia requires winter tires be used on certain mountain routes.
Ontario requires insurance companies to give a discount or benefit to drivers who use winter treads.
The Canadian Automobile Association recommends the use of winter tires across Canada, but won't be calling on provincial governments to make it mandatory.
CAA spokeswoman, Kristine D’Arbelles, says winter tires on their own aren't a solution — motorists need to slow down and adjust their driving to weather and road conditions.
The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada says winter tires provide a better grip than other tires once it is below seven degrees Celsius.
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