Less Red Tape For Truckers On The Way

Nova Scotia truckers will soon have less red tape to deal with as the province is going to join the International Registration Plan next year. The plan will allow truckers to obtain one-stop travel registration for use in all Canadian provinces and American states.

Business and Consumer Services Minister Neil LeBlanc said the decision will help ensure the continued well-being, growth and competitiveness of Nova Scotia's trucking industry.

"Adopting the new plan and having one agreement for all North American jurisdictions will cut through the red tape facing our trucking industry and improve its ability to compete internationally," said the minister. "Today we are supporting this industry with a plan to help ensure its continued financial success while paving the way for long-term growth."

Currently, Canadian provinces and American states sign separate agreements governing the registration of inter-jurisdictional commercial motor vehicle travel. The adoption of the plan will put an end to the need for Nova Scotia to sign multiple agreements and for truckers to obtain multiple registration documents.

"We support the decision of Nova Scotia to join the International Registration Plan," said Dave Roberts, executive director of the Trucking Industry of Nova Scotia. "The reduction in red tape is a welcome benefit to the industry."

The trucking industry in Nova Scotia is one of the largest in the province, employing 43,000 and generating more than $3 billion for the economy.

The International Registration Plan will come into effect April 1, 2001.