The recognition of Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, Ron MacKinley as MADD Canada’s Citizen of Distinction is a well-earned honour says Premier Robert Ghiz.
“This award is a testament to Minister MacKinley’s continued efforts to heighten the awareness and prevention of impaired driving and to improve road safety for all Islanders,” said Premier Ghiz. “On behalf of the Province of Prince Edward Island, I would like to congratulate Minister MacKinley on his award.”
MADD Canada’s Citizen of Distinction award is presented annually to an individual, a group or an organization that has made a major contribution to the anti-drinking and driving movement in Canada.
Minister MacKinley will receive his award Friday, September 24 at MADD Canada’s National Leadership Conference in Toronto.
“MADD Canada is proud to honour Minister MacKinley for his tremendous contributions to the anti-impaired driving movement,” said MADD Canada National President, Margaret Miller. “Under his leadership, PEI has implemented powerful legislation to reduce impaired driving, including the country’s longest administrative licence suspensions for the .05 BAC (blood alcohol content) warn range.”
Recent legislative changes increased the penalty for driving with a BAC of .05 or higher from a 24-hour license suspension to a seven-day suspension. Prince Edward Island was the first jurisdiction In Canada to implement that provision. Other legislative changes included updates to the ignition interlock program and a comprehensive graduated driver licensing program.
“Impaired driving is a serious offense and it is extremely important to create and enforce tough legislation and promote proper initiatives to stop impaired driving,” said Minister MacKinley. “I am extremely humbled to receive this award from MADD Canada.”
BACKGROUNDER
MADD Canada is a national, charitable organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims of this violent crime. With volunteer-driven groups in more than 100 communities across Canada, MADD Canada aims to offer support services to victims, heighten awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and save lives and prevent injuries on our roads.