Ottawa paddler Peter Kasurak reacts to Transport Canada requirement to register canoes and kayaks

http://www.cbc.ca/ottawa
If you're planning on leading a canoe trip this spring be prepared.
Your canoe or kayak is now considered a commercial vessel.
And it needs to be registered with Transport Canada.
The cost will be 50 dollars and include a mountain of new paperwork.
It's got paddlers confused and worse...angry.

The YMCA Canoe Camping Club has 300 members.
It goes on 200 trips a year.
But now Transport Canada is asking paddlers like this to do more before putting their boats in the water.
To register any boat being used on a recreational trip led by a volunteer or instructor.

Peter Kasurak, YMCA Canoe Camping Club
"And that will take hours of volunteer which is really hard to get expecially to do paperwork."

That process, along with the 50 dolalr fee, is going to be a headache for Scouts Canada.
It owns 1000 canoes and kayaks across Canada.
It's been trying to call Transport Canada and research the changes.
But is still not sure what it's required to do.

Janet Yale, CEO Scouts Canada
"It's very difficult from the information that's on the web site what exactly is required to come into compliance and I can tell you that it would be a huge hardship for an organization like ours given how close the summer camping season is to try and comply both from a financial as well as an administrative perspective."

Non-profit, recreational groups say Transport Canada has to do a better job of communicating any new requirements.
And make a better arguement as to why the changes have come.

Janet Yale, CEO Scouts Canada
"Until we understand the rational for the rule it's hard to understand why it applies and what the logic is for putting it in place."

Officials from Transport Canada Transport Minister Chuck Strahl's office blame the Liberals for this policy from a decision made ten years ago.
They say common sense will prevail when it comes to registering paddle-boats.
Strahl's office says a review will take place.
But in the meantime, it's still unclear exactly what's expected of canoeists planning trips and how Transport Canada will communicate it too them.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Transport Canada
• canoes
• kayak
• non-profit
• registration