Ontario gets tough on impaired boating
MPP David Zimmer
June 23, 2006

TORONTO, June 23 /CNW/ - Yesterday the Ontario Legislature passed with unanimous consent, a Private Member's Bill sponsored by Liberal MPP David Zimmer, which will suspend the Ontario Driver's license of anyone who is convicted of impaired boating.

"No family should have to endure the loss of a loved one due to an impaired boater," said Zimmer. "This bill is about giving law enforcement authorities the tools to effectively address this problem."

Over the past year, Zimmer has been advocating that the penalties for impaired driving should also apply to impaired boaters. The Police will now be able to impose on-the-spot 12 hour license suspensions on anyone they find operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol. As well, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles will enact an immediate 90-day suspension of a driver's license for individuals who are convicted of an alcohol related offence while operating a vessel.

"In Ontario, drivers' licenses are suspended for a variety of things. If you're not up to date on your family support obligations, you can lose your license. If you're operating a snowmobile under the influence of alcohol, you will also lose your license. It is only logical that we extend this concept to the operation of a motorboat on our waterways."

In Ontario, alcohol is a factor in 40% of recreational boating fatalities. As well, between April and December 2003, OPP marine units issued 1,923 charges and warnings related to alcohol offences on the waterways.

For further information:
Shawn Knights, Executive Assistant
(416) 325-5216, Cell: (416) 453-4752