Editor’s note: The following is an open letter from Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas to Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria regarding concerns over the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act, 2021.
Dear Minister Sarkaria,
I am writing to you today to ask your government to review its implementation of the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act, 2021, particularly the training requirements. While we support the overall intent of the legislation, which aims to enhance consumer protection and regulate the towing industry, we have encountered practical challenges with its implementation that merit urgent attention.
The government seems to have overlooked the significant impact this legislation has on towing companies in Northern Ontario.
Specifically, it is concerning how a policy can be enacted that perpetuates the disadvantage faced by businesses in our region. You have only approved two training providers — one of which is prioritizing training for its CAA network members and the other who only operate in Southern Ontario — which leaves Northern Ontario once again underserved and at a significant disadvantage.
There are serious implications for towing operators in Northern Ontario. The current implementation of this legislation poses a significant risk of small business closures and job losses.
The primary concerns are as follows:
1. Limited Training Providers: The announcement that Wreckmaster, one of two approved training providers, has limited course availability. This has created significant difficulties. The restricted access to practical training, especially outside southern major urban centers, severely impacts operators in Northern Ontario.
2. Access Issues with CAA Club Group: The second approved provider, CAA Club Group, has indicated that they will prioritize their contracted network, further disadvantaging other businesses. This approach exacerbates the challenges faced by operators in Northern Ontario who are struggling to access necessary training.
3. Geographic Disparities: The vast geographic area of Northern Ontario creates an additional challenge. The cost and logistics associated with traveling to Southern Ontario place a substantial burden on operators in my region, making compliance with the new regulations particularly difficult.
4. Cost and Practicality Concerns: The required online training component, costing approximately $900, combined with the limited scheduling of practical courses, imposes significant financial and logistical burdens. For operators in Northern Ontario, these challenges are even more pronounced due to limited resources and access and high travel and accommodations costs in Southern Ontario.
Given these issues, we respectfully request that the Ministry of Transportation consider the following actions to address these concerns:
• Expansion of Approved Providers: Approve additional training providers to improve accessibility for all operators, particularly in remote and rural areas in Northern Ontario.
• Address Geographic Disparities: Implement measures to ensure that training resources are equitably distributed and accessible across the province, especially for those in Northern Ontario.
I believe these adjustments will support the industry’s transition to the new regulatory framework while ensuring that businesses can remain compliant and operational, regardless of their location. Right now the survival of small towing companies in Northern Ontario is at risk.
Minister, thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
France Gélinas
MPP for Nickel Belt