As you may or may not be aware the current Amateur Radio exemption to Bill
118 expires the end of 2017. A few of us were discussing this lately so I
queried some RAC directors (with copies to Reg. Matters and Legal) as to
what RAC was doing on our behalf. Below is the response I received.
Good Morning Greg;
Thank you for your enquiry about the Distracted Driving Legislation
concerns. As Director for RAC I can assure you that RAC has been involved in
great efforts in presenting information to the Ministries of Transportation
in obtaining permanent exemption for Amateur Radio Operators. Therefore,
with the last round we were given a 5-year exemption which is due to expire
on 01 January 2018. Most of the provinces across Canada have received
permanent exemptions and here in Ontario we have been actively working on
the issues. Yesterday myself as Northern Eastern Director met with Phil
McBride VA3QR Southern Director with RAC and discussed a plan of action at
the York Regional Hamfest in Markham Ontario. We will be meeting with
officials with the Ministry of Transpiration in early 2017 to present and
show in the importance of this exemption. If you are a member of RAC and
receive the TCA in future editions there will be a full article explaining
what is happening we will also be soliciting letters of support from ARES
groups that can contact their local emergency service providers like Police,
Fire, EMS and municipal services that we can take and to the government we
have already received some and have local MPP's on board. Of course, this
will also be posted on our website too.
We at RAC realize the deadlines we are working with and are confident that
we will achieve our goal. We are also open to any ideas or suggestions that
you have and welcome and support you are willing to give as an individual
ham or a members of an amateur radio club or ARES organization.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact
me at any time.
Thank for your enquiry
73
Al
Allan Boyd
VE3AJB
Section Manager
Ontario North ONN
Director
Ontario North/East
Radio Amateurs of/du Canada
(705)-368-2779 Home
<mailto:ve3ajb@xxxxxxxxx> ve3ajb@xxxxxxxxx E-mail
Greg Foster
VE3PJ
