Province Acts to Protect Motorists and Passengers

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Province Acts to Protect Motorists and Passengers

The government of Nova Scotia is asking auto repair firms and parts suppliers to contact clients who may have purchased unsafe, remanufactured air bags.

The move comes following reports that two Québec firms -- Coussins Gonflables Demers Inc. and National Sacs Gonflables Inc.

• are rebuilding and selling used air bags in other provinces.

"To date, we have not received any report of Nova Scotians suffering injuries stemming from rebuilt air bags," said Paul Arsenault, registrar of Motor Vehicles. "We are taking this precautionary step to reduce the risk of future injuries."

Mr. Arsenault said that about 1,000 of the remanufactured air bags are believed to be in Atlantic Canada. It is unknown how many are in Nova Scotia.

In a letter to mechanics, garages, motor vehicle inspection stations and auto supply firms, he is asking vendors to check their records to determine whether they have sold or installed these products. If they have, they are to contact each customer to recommend that new replacement air bags be installed.

"I would also recommend that anyone who has had an air bag installed in a vehicle since 1998 should contact the installer to verify that new parts were used," said Mr. Arsenault. "While I am sure that most firms will do their share and follow up with clients, consumers have an active role as well."

For more specific details and a copy of the letter, visit the Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Web site, at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr .