OTTAWA, Ont. – New load securement regulations are now in effect in several provinces but they will likely not be enforced until mid-year, say government officials.

That’s because the provinces and the federal government have agreed to introduce an “educational period” to allow time for industry and enforcement agencies to be trained in the new load securement regulations.

The new Canadian standard mirrors to a considerable degree the U.S. standard that has been in place since December 2002 and enforced in the U.S. since Jan. 1, 2003. While Ontario and Newfoundland introduced their changes Jan. 1, several other provinces are expected to have them in place by February. Quebec, for its part, is in the midst of a comment period that’s part of its rulemaking process, and will probably have its standards in place by March, says John Pearson of Canada’s Council of Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

Canada faces a unique challenge when trying to introduce such widespread reforms, federal officials point out. Since provinces hold the power of highway enforcement, Transport Canada can’t mandate national changes like its counterparts in the U.S. Department of Transportation.

And even though the provincial standards are based on the same science, and will include much of the same language, some of the enforcement will be a matter of provincial interpretation.

The issues surrounding differing interpretations among provinces and between the Canadian and U.S. legislation as well as a detailed analysis of the new rules will be presented in a special supplement produced by the editors of Transportation Media (Truck News, Truck West and Motortruck). Look for the supplement, sponsored by Kinedyne Canada Ltd. and Great Dane Trailers, in the next issues of Truck News, Truck West and Motortruck.