The province is seeking to toughen the rules for businesses who opt to change names instead of making safety improvements.

A news release Wednesday notes proposed amendments would strengthen rules to keep “chameleon carriers” off the road. That group is defined as motor carrier businesses that close and reopen with new names to avoid addressing safety issues.

Manitoba also updated its safety rating framework for motor carriers in 2022.

New carriers must now have a certified compliance officer and submit a safety plan before being issued a safety fitness certificate. That certificate is required for all motor carriers and must be updated each year, unless an exemption is issued.

The amendment would allow the department to initially assign a “conditional” safety rating to suspected chameleon carriers, which requires them to certify a compliance officer within 180 days.

Decisions could be appealed to the licence suspension appeal board.

 

Life lease protections proposed

New legislation aims to better protect some senior tenants in Manitoba.

The proposed provincial government changes would apply to life lease tenants. Life leases are a form of rental housing typically aimed at people who are 55-plus, which can extend through the tenants’ life or a specific number of years.

If approved, the new rules would increase obligations for a new owner of a building with life leases, when such complexes change hands. The new owners would be required to refund entrance fees to the tenants, if their leases are terminated due to mortgage sales, tax sales or foreclosures.

Landlords who are currently required to have reserve funds must also ensure these are sufficient to maintain and replace building assets at all times.

 

Hunter licensing to change

The Manitoba government is changing its definitions of non-resident hunters to streamline the licensing process.

Natural Resources Minister Greg Nesbitt said Bill 13 (Wildlife Amendment Act) will bring residency definitions for Manitobans, Canadians and non-Canadians in the Wildlife Act with those used in fishing regulations.

“This will simplify the process for all hunters and anglers when they are purchasing Manitoba licences,” Nesbitt said.

It will also require some people who reside outside of Manitoba to use the services of a guide or outfitter when hunting specified animals or hunting under certain licences.

The bill also removes a prohibition on Sunday hunting, which has been permitted through regulatory exemptions for decades.

— Staff