Aug 13, 2024

Originally published by NMMA Canada

Transport Canada recently published their “What We Heard” report from consultations on the Vessel Operating Restriction Regulations (VORR) process. Thanks to our Boating United campaign, a remarkable 95% of the written submissions came from NMMA Canada & CMRA members and supporters.

Key Feedback Themes:

• General Support: Overall, stakeholders supported modernizing the regulations but highlighted concerns about the regulatory process, with many favouring non-regulatory solutions.
• Ministerial Orders: There was support for using ministerial orders to address safety and environmental issues quickly, but with conditions on transparency and accountability, including reducing the amount of time an order could remain in effect.
• Consultation and Communication: Stakeholders emphasized the importance of broad and early consultation with affected parties, suggesting longer consultation periods and diverse communication channels.
• Additional Approaches: Suggestions included enhancing boating education, improving access to information on restrictions, and exploring non-regulatory solutions to waterway issues.

Implications for the Recreational Boating Industry:

• Streamlined Processes: The proposed changes aim to streamline the application and approval processes for new restrictions, potentially impacting how and when restrictions are implemented.
• Enhanced Oversight: There is a call for increased oversight and transparency in the use of ministerial orders, which could affect how safety and environmental concerns are addressed in boating areas.
• Public Engagement: The emphasis on broader consultation and communication means stakeholders, including recreational boaters, may have more opportunities to voice their opinions and concerns about local waterway restrictions.
• In half of all submissions, there was agreement that Transport Canada should set concrete, measurable objectives on promoting free and equitable access to waterways.

This report marks an important step in the VORR consultation process, highlighting the importance of our continued advocacy for transparency and inclusive practices. We will remain engaged with government officials as new regulations are drafted. Our close collaboration with CMRA has led to the huge success of this joint campaign.

For more details, read the full Transport Canada report here or reach out to Patrick Pereira at ppereira@nmma.org.