National

Ottawa Refuses To Criminalize Cellphone Use At The Wheel

The Canadian Press, 26 Aug, 2016 01:15 PM

OTTAWA — The federal government is not considering making cellphone use at the wheel a criminal offence.

A spokeswoman for Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould said Thursday provincial laws already exist to crack down on the dangerous practice.

Quebec coroner Michel Ferland recently suggested Ottawa amend the Criminal Code to make it a crime if a motorist causes injuries or death while using a cellphone.

Quebec's new transport minister, Laurent Lessard, said Wednesday that Ottawa should study the possibility of criminalizing cellphone use at the wheel and that he intended to discuss the matter with his federal counterpart, Marc Garneau.

Garneau was not available for an interview Thursday and referred the request to the justice minister.

"Using a handheld cellphone while driving, or texting while driving, can already be prosecuted under existing provisions of the Criminal Code when this behaviour becomes 'dangerous driving','' Joanne Ghiz, a spokeswoman for Wilson-Raybould, said in an email.

"We thank the provinces and territories for their leadership on this issue. Road safety is a serious public safety concern and our government is committed to ensuring the safety of our roads and highways."

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Quotes About The Prime Minister And His Apology Over His Behaviour In The House

OTTAWA — Some of what was said Thursday as Parliament debated Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's controversial behaviour the night before in the House of Commons:

Quotes About The Prime Minister And His Apology Over His Behaviour In The House

Drug Overdose Survivors More Likely To Die Of Subsequent Overdose: Study

Scientists at the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV-AIDS revealed those who have recently survived a non-fatal overdose are more likely to die from a subsequent overdose.

Drug Overdose Survivors More Likely To Die Of Subsequent Overdose: Study

CPP Investment Board Posts Weakest Annual Rate Of Return Since 2009 Fiscal Year

TORONTO — The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board's annual rate of return dropped to 3.4 per cent last year, the lowest since the Great Recession, the CPPIB said Thursday in its annual report.

CPP Investment Board Posts Weakest Annual Rate Of Return Since 2009 Fiscal Year

Conrad Black Fights Liens For Unpaid Taxes Placed On Toronto Mansion

The former media mogul filed a notice of application Wednesday with the Federal Court for a judicial review of the liens.

Conrad Black Fights Liens For Unpaid Taxes Placed On Toronto Mansion

'Lack Of Affordable Housing, Public Transit Hinder Vancouver'

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade released a scorecard Wednesday prepared by the Conference Board of Canada that rates the city ninth among big international cities in terms of key economic and social indicators.