Overview
- Dealers told reporters that, unless Ottawa fixes the paperwork mismatch, they expect to be unable to import new heavy-duty truck models for deliveries scheduled next year.
- The problem began after U.S. authorities moved heavy-truck emissions certification from the Environmental Protection Agency to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, while Canadian rules still require EPA-issued approvals.
- Manufacturers say they have flagged the mismatch to the federal government for about a year, and Ottawa has acknowledged the issue and said it is working on a solution but has not announced a public fix.
- Without an administrative acceptance, a regulatory amendment, or a bilateral agreement to recognize the new NHTSA paperwork, Canadian firms cannot take part in competitive pre-order processes for new models and ordering timelines will be disrupted.
- Dealers warn the disruption could push up costs and cause shortages that ripple through shipping, construction, forestry, mining and agriculture, delaying fleet renewals and raising operating costs for businesses and households.