I saw this post and would like to comment on it. In accordance with bill 118 the ONLY exemptions are police, fire, and ambulance drivers using interface dispatching, along with radio and telephony dispatching. I do agree with you however, in the aspect of “Volunteer Emergency Radio Coordinators/Operators”. The problem is that no matter who you are (emergency services or not) being distracted while driving causes numerous accidents and numerous deaths every year. Should they be exempt, yes they need to do their job, what they are paid by our cities to do. I believe that Ham radio operators are in the same boat, however ONLY in extreme cases where emergency situations arise.
Since the implementation of Bill 118 I pulled over a commercial vehicle for using interface dispatching systems while driving. It goes against the companies CVOR and remains on their cvor permanently. Unfortunately the likeliness of Radio operators being fully exempt is is not likely as the operation of such devices are not mandatory, and practicing can be done on the individuals time, where emergency services and buses cannot “practice” their radio operations at home. I believe that the Volunteer services ham radio operators provide is a very important service but its not a requirement. What it comes down to is that Ham radio operators are a big help during emergency situations, but day to day are not required nor are they any less of a distraction regardless of the training any person has recieved.

Regards,

Officer
Ministry of Transportation
Perth District

As a licensed amateur radio operator, member of Radio Amateurs of Canada and a trained Canwarn ( severe weather weather reporting network) operator, I am concerned about the interpretation of Bill 118 and how it may impact licensed amateur radio operators.

Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES), a network of trained communications volunteers have, in the past, been essential in handling emergency and priority radio traffic (messages) when other services have been cut off due to i.e. ice storms ( remember 1998?), floods and other disasters.

If Bill 118 prevents amateur radio operators from using their mobile communications radios then, the general public is at risk regarding timely assistance during any further storms, floods or disasters.

I urge you to press for clarification regarding Bill 118 to preserve the logic of employing the help of a huge body of volunteers whose mandate is to offer communications assistance free of charge using their own equipment in times of need.

Regards

Jim Baldwin-VA3WIN

35 Grandview Drive, RR# 4
Omemee, ON K0L 2W0

705-799-7662

jimmary@personainternet.com