NATIONAL SAFETY CODE

In 1987, the federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for transportation and highway safety agreed to develop and implement a National Safety Code (NSC) to encourage trucking safety, promote efficiency in the motor carrier industry, and achieve consistent safety standards in this area across Canada. The NSC was based on a consolidation of existing provincial and territorial legislation and regulations, supplemented with new initiatives designed to further enhance safety across the country.

Safety-related NSC standards cover safety ratings, facility audits, driver and carrier profile systems, trip inspection reports, driver hours of service, commercial vehicle maintenance and inspections, and load security. The code’s administrative standards cover self-certification for drivers, single-driver licensing, a classified driver licence system, medical standards, knowledge and performance testing, and a driver-examiner training program.

Between 1987 and 2004, the Government of Canada contributed $69 million towards the development and enforcement of NSC safety standards. Federal, provincial and territorial officials developed and agreed on the allocation of these funds. Federal funding was subject to each province and territory meeting performance targets and information requirements.

In addition, $7 million in funding was approved in 1999/2000 for the upgrade and enhancement of technologically advanced provincial and territorial systems required to capture, integrate and transmit carrier, driver and vehicle data from roadside inspections and facility audits. Once captured, on-road data is forwarded to the carrier’s home jurisdiction for incorporation in the carrier’s safety performance assessment.

The most recent round of funding provided $17.6 million between 2004 and 2008. Funds were directed towards assessing motor carrier safety across Canada in accordance with the NSC safety rating regime.

Funding for 2004/2008 was allocated as follows:

January 2006