Would Transport Canada be concerned if a road authority chose to ban using road salt?
Transport Canada recognizes the benefits of road salt as an effective tool contributing to safer winter driving conditions. Road authorities make their own decisions on the application and use of this material. Transport Canada does not regulate road maintenance nor does it specify what is to be used. In light of the knowledge that the effective removal of ice and snow from pavements significantly reduces the number of collisions during winter conditions, Transport Canada would be concerned if road salt was banned by a roadway authority without implementing another effective de-icing agent or procedure. Transport Canada knows that Environment Canada worked with stakeholders to assist them in making reasoned decisions within a carefully planned management framework and recognized the approach as the best way to achieve both departments’ common objectives – improved environmental protection for Canadians while maintaining safety.
