Government Supports MADD's
Campaign

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Government Supports MADD's Campaign

NOTE TO EDITORS: The following, from Don Downe, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, is directed at opinion/letters-to-the-editor pages.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving wants to stop drinking and driving. Transportation and Public Works wants to stop drinking and driving. Our goals are the same.

To correct inaccurate reports, Transportation and Public Works never has, and won't, ask MADD to remove its white crosses. And to go one step further, TPW did not reverse or flip-flop on any decision about the MADD campaign.

This fact was reinforced in a Wednesday news release in which the president for the Halifax chapter of MADD, Geraldine Dedrick, said: "We have been working together with the department on this issue and no such request has been made. We are very satisfied with the meetings so far and discussions with the department continue."

MADD initiated its white cross campaign in Nova Scotia to strengthen its anti-drunk-driving message. The campaign allows families to have permanent memorials at the sites of tragic loss. The markers also serve as a reminder to people driving by of the tragedy and sorrow that can be the sad reality of drinking and driving.

Transportation and Public Works supports the objectives, goals and the spirit of the white cross campaign. Nova Scotia has taken a proactive approach to sanctioning this program, in spite of the fact that every other provincial jurisdiction in Canada has resisted such memorial markers. They resist for many reasons, particularly safety.

Safety concerns began our dialogue with MADD. Motorists stopping along the side of any express highway for any reason could pose a hazard. This concern has been at the heart of our discussions with MADD about ways to modify the memorial marker practice to ensure the safety of family and friends on site, as well as those driving by.

We have had positive, co-operative and emotional dialogue with Mothers Against Drunk Driving since last fall. Together we will endorse a powerful symbol against drinking and driving.

This is our goal. It has always been our goal. I am proud of the work our department has undertaken with MADD. We will continue our good work and discussions until everybody is satisfied the message is being heard.

Don Downe Minister of Transportation and Public Works