News release

Nova Scotia MADD Rating Improves

Justice
Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

Nova Scotia has moved up seven places in the latest provincial ratings release by Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada.

Nova Scotia moved from 11th place to fourth and improved its D+ rating in 2006 to a B in Rating the Provinces and Territories: The 2009 Report.

"This is a huge leap for Nova Scotia and is a testament to the commitment shown by law enforcement and government," said Justice Minister Ross Landry. "It is the responsibility of every one of us to get drunk drivers off our roads, and to do this, we need to change the attitudes of some about drinking and driving."

The report is a comprehensive review and rating of provincial and territorial impaired driving laws issued every three years.

Nova Scotia's improved standing can be credited to a tighter Graduated Licencing Program and the Alcohol Ignition Interlock Program for people who lost their diver's licence because of an alcohol-related conviction or incident.

Although not included in this year's report, MADD Canada also recognized legislation introduced this year that toughened consequences for people caught driving with a blood-alcohol level of .05. Licence suspensions have increased to seven days for a first suspension, 15 days for a second and 30 days for a third. People are also required to pay a licence reinstatement fee of $89.63.

"I'm very pleased to see that our province is making progress in the area of impaired driving," said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks. "I commend MADD for keeping the critical issue of impaired driving at the forefront of public awareness."

MADD Canada rates each province and territory based on a set of evolving criteria. Score can range from A+ to F-.