A strike launched late last week by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) may affect Canada Post’s ability to deliver defect notices, as required by the country’s Motor Vehicle Safety Act (MVSA).
The Canadian RV Association (CRVA) said Transport Canada, which is responsible for transportation policies and programs, sent CRVA a letter to forward to members concerning recall notices.
Transport Canada Acting Head for Recalls Hugo-Vincent Bedard wrote, “Given the requirements of the MVSA and attendant regulations, any delay in delivery of notices beyond the prescribed timeframe would result in the company being in non-compliance with the MVSA. For greater clarity, a postal strike would not absolve a company of its obligations under the MVSA to notify owners and other prescribed persons.”
Bedard said in 2019, the regulations were amended to enable electronic defect or non-compliance notices.
“Therefore, if a company has the email addresses of its vehicle owners or can use direct-to-vehicle or infotainment system notifications, those methods of communication are acceptable,” he wrote. “Alternatively, companies may consider using courier services to ensure timely delivery of notices and compliance with the MVSA.”
Dealers or manufacturers with questions can contact CRVA at [email protected] or 905-315-3156.
