Statement by the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, about child car seats

October 4, 2018            Ottawa, ON           Transport Canada

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, made the following statement about the proper use of child car seats in advance of the holiday weekend:

“As Minister of Transport, I’m always looking at ways to improve the safety and security of all Canadians.

“Young children are among our most vulnerable road users. Given their small size, child car seats are essential in keeping them safe.

“In Canada, car seat safety is a shared responsibility. While the federal government is responsible for child car seat safety standards, the use of child car seats is regulated by the provinces and territories.

“We know the proper use of child car seats can save lives. As such, I wish to strongly support a best practice in child car seats -- keeping children riding in a rear-facing position as long as possible.

“If a child fits the height and weight limits provided by the child car seat manufacturer, placing them in this rear-facing position is the safest practice. Seats sold in Canada are designed for this purpose and must meet our safety standards.

“We all have a role to play in child car seat safety, and Transport Canada continues to do its part through crash test research on child car seats, as well as by informing Canadians about these seats.

“For anyone who wishes to learn more about child car seat safety, I encourage you to visit Transport Canada’s website, or visit a child car seat clinic.”

Associated Links

• Choosing a child car seat or booster seat