More details on how ZENN received safety mark from Transport Canada
Recently we told you about Transport Canada's sudden shift to give Zenn's low speed electric vehicles a safety mark. Here is how it all happened according to the CBC; After the TV report, which included Transport Canada failing to give a good reason on why they held back the safety mark, Ian Clifford, founder of the ZENN Motor Company, said "hundreds and hundreds of people wrote in and responded to what really was an outrageous situation federally." Even NDP Leader Jack Layton complained of "bureaucratic roadblocks" during a question period in the House of Commons.
Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon, said he was unaware of the situation until the TV report aired. Cannon looked into it and was told no safety mark was issued "because we were still waiting for information." Canon says "now that information has been tabled, the folks have looked at it and so we've issued the certificate." Clifford says he is "pleased and surprised" at receiving the market after a year and half of waiting. Clifford also said officials from Ontario and Quebec even told him they intend to introduce legislation soon on allowing low-speed vehicles on streets. British Columbia is currently the only Canadian province that lets low speed vehicles on the road.
[Source: CBC]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Canuk 4:44PM (11/06/2007)
Umm...what about the politics involved?
The present Canadian government is Conservative (Republican-light) and is primarily Alberta elected. Alberta's economy is red-hot due to the oil industry and specifically the 'tar-sands' up north. Remember, the 'tar-sands' oil extraction methods are huge contributors to why Canada's CO2 emissions are going through the roof.
This oil industry support has led to Canada's government renouncing it's obligations under the Kyoto Agreement, introducing "clean-air" legislation that ignores greenhouse gas emission limits, and cancelling long supported funding for environmental programs, research, and monitoring.
It seems that ANYTHING that could possibly slow the oil industry (and therefore Alberta's economy) will not be supported by this government.
Only when a spotlight was shone on this situation did anything change. The power of the press is what did this.
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Pierre 11:08AM (11/07/2007)
I phoned Transport Canada back in July to ask why I couldn't buy a Zenn in BC or import one from the US. They told me quite emphatically that the company had not applied yet for a permit, which was complete BS. I contacted Zenn and they told me they were waiting on Transport Canada bureaucracy and suggested that I write my MP to complain.
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Taflet 2:19PM (11/08/2007)
It's RECEIVED, not recieved. Spellcheck, folks.
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Lascelles Linton 3:50PM (11/08/2007)
Taflet, Corrected. Thanks.
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