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441-00828 (Transportation)
Petition to the Minister of Transportation
Whereas:
Howe Island in the Township of Frontenac Islands (Ontario) is serviced by Frontenac Howe Islander Ferry (the "Vessel");
Howe Island has been serviced by a ferry since at least 1898 and without incident by the current Vessel since 2004;
As a result of an inspection by Transport Canada, the capacity of the ferry has been reduced by one-third a decrease of 15 cars to 10 cars), resulting in longer wait times, increased vehicle idling and reduced commerce for Island residents;
The Vessel is owned by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and operated by the County of Frontenac; and
The Vessel owner will require time to make modifications to Vessel in order to meet Transport Canada requirements.
We, the undersigned residents of Howe Island, in the Township of Frontenac Islands (Ontario) call upon the Minister of Transportation to work directly with the Vessel's owner to develop a reasonable plan of action and time frame for adapting the Vessel and further, in the interim, that the Vessel's capacity be re-instated.
Response by the Minister of Transport
Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar Alghabra
The safety and security of Canadians and of the transportation system are Transport Canada’s top priority. Transport Canada develops and implements policies and regulations, and administers the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (CSA, 2001), among other pieces of legislation. Transport Canada oversees both recreational and commercial vessel safety, including commercial passenger vessels such as the Frontenac Howe Islander (the vessel).
Transport Canada was informed by the vessel operator of passenger concerns regarding the ability, in the event of an emergency, to exit a vehicle once loaded aboard the vessel. Transport Canada inspected the vessel and identified non-compliance with certain provisions of the Hull Construction Regulations, made pursuant to the CSA, 2001. The Authorized Representative of the vessel was provided a reasonable time (30 days) to rectify the deficiency. It is the responsibility of the operator to evaluate prospective viable means to comply with the regulations. The owner and operator opted to reduce vehicle lanes on the vessel to achieve compliance.
Transport Canada remains committed to engage with the Authorized Representative and operator to ensure safety of the vessel and its passengers.
- Presented to the House of Commons
-
Mark Gerretsen
(Kingston and the Islands)
November 2, 2022 (Petition No. 441-00828) - Government response tabled
- January 18, 2023
Only validated signatures are counted towards the total number of signatures.