As the fall session of Queen’s Park gets underway, the MPP for Mushkegowuk James Bay is expected to make a heart-felt introduction of his new private members bill called Chad’s Law. Guy Bourgouin is proposing that Ontario join other provinces in making passing on a solid double line illegal. He says the new bill is a rallying point for everyone.
“This important bill crosses party lines and should rally all Ontarians,” he said. “I have the support of the Northeastern Ontario Municipal Association (NEOMA) that represents 37 townships and municipalities,” he said. “Additionally, I have received official written support from municipalities across the province.”
Bourgouin, who held a press conference this morning, says the bill was named after Chad Belanger who was seriously injured in an accident between Kapuskasing and Val Rita last year. A transport driver attempted to pass another vehicle on a solid double line.
“There was a lot of citizens in Kapuskasing who formed a group called ‘letter for Chad’ in support of Chad. Accidents like this can and should be prevented this is why I put Chad’s law forward.”
The current legislation cautions crossing into oncoming lanes under specific conditions only. Bourgouin highlights the practicality of expecting drivers to account for every factor, especially the unpredictable weather conditions and varying speeds.
Bourgouin adds you can’t leave improper passing to police discretion and that preventive measures must be put into place.