AMENDMENTS TO SNOWMOBILE ACT TO ENHANCE SAFETY

Released on March 26, 1996

Highways and Transportation Minister Andy Renaud today introduced two
amendments to the province's Snowmobile Act.

The amendments are the result of recommendations from the Saskatchewan
Snowmobile Safety Committee established last year to look at ways to
improve snowmobile safety.

"Recent fatalities have raised the level of public concern about
snowmobile safety. Last year alone, eight snowmobile accidents
resulted in 10 fatalities," Renaud said. "The changes introduced today
are significant steps toward reducing serious injuries and fatalities."

The amended legislation will make it mandatory for persons under the
age of 16 to take a snowmobile safety course prior to operating a
snowmobile on public property. The Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association
is training additional instructors and operators in the safe operation
of snowmobiles to prepare for this new requirement.

It will also be mandatory for operators and passengers to wear helmets
when riding a snowmobile. Exemptions will be allowed for operation on
family property and for people who use their snowmobiles for business
purposes, such as trapping and commercial fishing.

"The changes to this legislation show that by working together we can
strengthen our commitment to snowmobile safety in this province,"
Renaud said.

The Saskatchewan Snowmobile Safety Committee submitted its report to
the minister last summer. The committee was composed of
representatives from the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association, the
Canadian Red Cross, trappers, snowmobile manufacturers, the
Saskatchewan Safety Council, police, Aboriginal groups and several
government agencies.

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For more information, contact:

Al Popoff Verona Thibault
Director of Traffic Safety Executive Director
Sask. Highways and Transportation Sask. Snowmobile Association
Regina Regina
Phone: (306) 787-8117 Phone: (306) 780-9404