Canadian Legislative News

Government Urged to Move Quickly to Regulate Autonomous Vehicles

A committee of senators in Ottawa has urged the government to act more decisively to proactively address fast-moving technology in the autonomous vehicle sector.

In a report released in late January, the Senate Transport Committee shed light on the current multi-departmental approach to the autonomous vehicle issue and problems associated with it. Segments of the government are urging caution in autonomous vehicles while others are pushing for more innovation in the hotly-contested space.

Minister Marc Garneau announced that a federal plan for autonomous vehicles would be announced in 2018, working closely with provincial ministers of transport on national policies.

Garneau is also working to pass S-2 (vehicle recall legislation) through the Senate. He has announced a federal electric vehicle strategy would be forthcoming in 2018.

In Canada and elsewhere in the world where this research and development is taking place, predictable regulatory regimes will be essential to strike the difficult balance between the potential of an exciting new technology and the many safety and other issues that come with it.