November 27, 2006            

Memorials for Victims of Impaired Driving to be Placed on Ontario Roadsides
“This is a fitting tribute and one that sends a sobering reminder” – MADD Canada

The Province of Ontario has just become the third Canadian jurisdiction to allow families of victims of impaired driving to place roadside memorials at the scenes of fatal crashes.

To mark the occasion, Ontario Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield joined MADD Canada’s National President Karen Dunham in an official signing ceremony held at MADD Canada’s National Headquarters in Oakville. 

“The memorial roadside signs will serve as a symbol of remembrance and respect for those who have been innocently killed because of alcohol impairment on Ontario’s highways,” said Karen Dunham. “For the families and friends who have suffered a tragic loss in an impaired driving crash, this is a fitting tribute. The memorials will also serve the public as a sobering reminder that it is dangerous, and can be potentially fatal, to drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs.”

“We appreciate Ontario Government introducing this program, which will allow victims to honour their loved ones in such a meaningful manner," Mrs. Dunham related to Minister Cansfield in her remarks before the signing ceremony.

According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation agreement, MADD Canada will administer the memorial sign program and will work with the Ministry to install the signs at safe locations along the Provinces’ 400-series highways and the QEW. Signs will include the victim’s name and MADD Canada’s logo.

“These memorial signs are a symbolic gesture to remember loved ones that have lost their lives as a result of an impaired driver,” said Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield.  “They'll also remind people to make the responsible choice.”

MADD Canada has worked with the provinces of Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia to establish similar programs in this last year.  The National President expressed the hope that roadside memorial programs will be established in every jurisdiction within the next few years.

Mrs. Dunham said, “For families who are coping and finding ways to grieve for their losses, erecting a memorial is a significant act. For this reason, MADD Canada would like to work with other provincial and territorial governments to see this program implemented across the country.”

She added, “We are encouraged for the interest in this program is growing and we hope our negotiations with other provincial governments will soon result in new roadside memorial announcements.”

For more information on MADD Canada’s involvement with roadside memorials:

Andrew Murie, CEO
1-800-665-6233, ext. 224
amurie@madd.ca