FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 5, 2002
BLAIKIE REPEATS CALL FOR BAN ON
DRIVING WHILE
OPERATING A CELL PHONE
OTTAWA
- NDP MP Bill Blaikie today
repeated his call for the government to act on the issue of driving and cell
phone use.
Citing the recent call for legislation in the United
States following a horrible accident in Washington, D.C. that claimed the lives
of four Canadians, Blaikie reminded the government of his motion that would
make driving while operating a cell phone an offence under the Criminal Code.
“The
safety of Canadians cannot take a backseat to those individuals who put others
at risk for their own convenience,” Blaikie said.
Mr.
Blaikie’s motion seeks to amend the Criminal Code in the same way it was
amended to reflect Canadians’ changing views on drinking and driving.
“Every
terrible accident like the one this week in Washington makes the argument for
outlawing this behaviour more compelling.
If the government isn’t prepared to amend the Criminal Code, then the
Minister of Justice should show leadership and call his provincial counterparts
together to encourage them to act.”
The
text of Blaikie’s motion reads as follows:
M-116
- January 30, 2001 - On or after Tuesday, February 13, 2001 -
That, in the opinion of the House, the Government should consider amending the
Criminal Code to make it an offence to drive a motor vehicle while talking on a
cell phone, except in circumstances where an emergency situation can be
demonstrated.
-30-
For
information, please contact:
Bill
Blaikie, MP (613) 995-6339
http://billblaikie.ca
cep 232
