2023 has been a busy year for the National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada. The NAACC Board of Directors, representing every Province in Canada, met in Owen Sound Ontario in mid-September 2023.
Nova Scotia Director Conrad LeLièvre presented a detailed report about his attendance at the recent CCMTA meeting.
The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) is an incorporated body that coordinates matters dealing with the administration, regulation and control of motor vehicle transportation and highway safety. Membership includes representation from provincial and territorial governments as well as the federal government of Canada. The Council has been active for over 80 years, as such, CCMTA has the breadth, depth and reach into the areas of efficient movement of people and goods and in the area of saving lives on Canada’s roads, while respecting jurisdictional autonomy to implement as appropriate. The NAACC is a long-time dues paying member of this group.
The 2023 CCMTA Conference was held July 17-18th. in St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador. Please take the time to read Conrad’s latest report located on the NAACC website. www.naacc.ca
It gives me great pleasure to announce that the NAACC Hobbyist of The Year was announced at the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Robert ‘Bob’ Ford Jr. was presented with the award. His dedication and commitment to the hobby is unparalleled. Bob serves as NL Director, NAACC Membership Chairman and overseer of the NAACC Facebook page. He and his father, Bob Sr, prior to his passing, have been looking after the NAACC membership duties for over 40 years. Bob Ford Jr is a serious ‘car guy’ who enjoys judging at various Concours d’Elegance events including Audrain, Cobble Beach and Hilton Head. His personal collection of vehicles includes many fully restored frame-off restorations of Edsel, Ford Falcon and others. Bob has been responsible for arranging the welcome and send off of at least four Cross Canada Tours over the past twenty-five years. Congratulations Bob!
On the political side, we have lost our ability to have pure gasoline available to us in Canada. Ethanol is now mandated in all grades of fuel in Canada. The NAACC has contacted the Federal Government to ask that they allow Chevron 94 and Shell 91 to remain ethanol-free or, at the very least, have a one percent addition for compliance requirements. As collector vehicle owners, you should know that ethanol fuel destroys fuel tanks, rubber fuel components, and carburetion components in older cars that are not driven frequently. You should know that ‘phase separation’ of fuel is a serious issue.
The NAACC mileage-driven survey that was done some years ago indicated that collector vehicles are driven ‘on average’ less than 800 miles per year. We also know that the collector vehicle hobby in Canada contributes literally multi-millions of dollars to the economy in each Province. Logic would suggest that our Provincial Governments do not want to see this revenue stream disappear.
As we move closer to the 2035 EV requirements the collector car hobby is going to experience significant pressure. There will be restrictions in certain parts of cities banning the use of gasoline-powered vehicles. Driving restrictions are already being implemented in some areas. It is very important for us to be proactive and point out our positive contributions to society. We need to point out our many contributions to charity. We need to emphasize our historical significance and that we as collectors provide a serious financial impact to our local communities. You, as collector vehicle owners, need to be proactive. As clubs I urge you to contact your MP and voice your concerns and displeasure with the new ethanol fuel mandate.
A question that should be asked is: What percentage of pollution does Canada contribute?
Source: World Resources Institute (2023) Climate Watch Country Historical Greenhouse Gas Emissions. In 2020, Canada ranked as the 11th largest GHG-emitting country/region. Canada’s share of global emissions decreased from 1.8% in 2005 to 1.5% in 2020. Our contribution to GHG emissions is decreasing, not increasing!
I urge you and your clubs to become more proactive by forming committees to monitor what is happing in your local communities so that you are not legislated off your public highways by the well-intentioned and mis-informed.
My warmest regards to you all.
John Carlson
NAACC President/CEO