National Association of Antique Automobile Clubs of Canada Corporation
Mid Year, Update #12—, 2002
The 2002 year has been extremely positive for the NAAACCC. Collector vehicle clubs across Canada were very supportive of the Canada wide survey that was concluded in May 2002. We are still collating data and should have all of the information complied by year end. It is apparent that collector vehicles are driven on average less than 500 miles per year. Many collector vehicles are not driven at all while others are driven only four to six times in a calendar year. The Federal Government was completely wrong when it stated that collector vehicles are driven 8000 miles per year.
Significant progress has been made in British Columbia regarding the approach to collector vehicle emission testing. A Collector Car Council was formed in BC to work together with the Provincial Government Department of Air Care and the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), Department of Motor Vehicles. The Council is made up of the Specialty Vehicle Association of BC (SVABC), Vintage Car Club of Canada (VCCC) and the NAAACCC. We have been successful in having the entire testing procedure changed for collector vehicles. The Council has also established a very good working relationship with ICBC. We are working closely with Mr. Martin Lay, CEO of Air Care Testing and his staff to establish safe and meaningful testing standards and procedures. To date, in the year 2002, there has been only one vehicle unable to meet the established criteria. We are jointly establishing a new set of emission standards for collector vehicles that will serve both of our mutual interests.
We held our AGM in Toronto on April 20, 2002. A dedicated slate of representatives from across Canada gathered to explore ways to improve our relationship with the Federal Government. Ray Spencer representing the SVA Ontario gave a very informative and in-depth report on their group’s involvement with both the Federal and Provincial Governments. Their group hopes to put together a safety inspection program for collector vehicles. However, liability concerns must be addressed before anything can be put into action. The SVAO and the NAAACCC have formed an alliance with each other, so that they can work together to strive for fair legislation.
Bill C-32 was a major topic of discussion regarding future Canadian emission requirements. It was noted that some Provinces have already started discussions to implement proposed legislation and it was strongly suggested that every province should have NAAACCC, SVA or Collector Vehicle enthusiasts attending “Clean Air” environmental meetings. Joe MacDougall from Nova Scotia, pointed out that he had already had discussions with local politicians regarding future emission testing and was told that Bill C-32 was definitely on the horizon. A resent proposal suggested at the Lower Fraser Valley Clean Air Commission in British Columbia was to have the Federal Government ban all pre 1985 vehicles by the year 2005. This could be done in stages by having buy backs and using both emission and mechanical testing as leverage. There were no provisions mentioned to safe guard Collector Vehicles in this proposal!
It is strongly suggested that the collector vehicle community in every Province in Canada establish a working committee to deal with proposed emission legislation as has been done in British Columbia.
The NAAACCC web site under the direction of Wilfred Moase (PEI) has been instrumental in keeping the membership updated, www.naaaccc.ca . The site has links to Alliances and member clubs across Canada. It provides a forum for communication for interested parties and displays the reports of the past 20 months. It also provides a complete set of Judging Guidelines, as well as a set of Safety and Restoration Guidelines, among its many offerings.
During the past 27 years the NAAACCC has been just able to survive using its $1.50 per year per member dues structure. Individual personal contributions have helped offset expenses in the past. The reality of a much needed dues increase was discussed at length at the 2002 AGM. It was decided that in order to continue to effectively lobby the Federal Government and to conduct the Association business a dues increase would be necessary for the 2004 year. A financial statement outlining the proposed budget for 2003 and future years is being prepared by Treasurer Doug Keith (Sask) and Executive Secretary Tom Woodhouse (Sask). Once this Budget is ratified by the directors a dues increase of $1.50 will be implemented bringing the total dues per member to $3.00 per year. All member clubs will have a full year to make the necessary adjustments to their dues structures. It was also pointed out that literally hundreds of man hours are donated by the National Executive and Provincial Representatives every year to insure the survival of the hobby and that most people who are familiar with the politics of the hobby are very appreciative of the effort and time that is volunteered. They do not get paid for their services. It was also noted that the Vintage Car Club of Canada said they would support a dues increase of as much as $5.00 per member if it was needed, as they realized how much has been accomplished by the NAAACCC.
Dennis Duncan (BC) and Richard Gabbey (NB) are the committee co-chairman dealing with Environmental legislation. During this past year Dennis has written several very in depth articles dealing with the proposed legislation and Bill C-32. These reports can be accessed on the web site at www.naaaccc.ca . We have started a formal lobby to the Federal Government. We are asking that collector vehicles older than 20 years be exempted from emission testing across Canada.
This is brief overview of some of the working activities of the Association during this past year. Hopefully, this points out how much effort is being made for you and your hobby. The 2002 AGM minutes are being mailed by your NAAACCC Provincial Representative to all member clubs this month. On behalf of the Board of Directors I thank you for your continued support and urge you to keep in touch with your Provincial Representative.
My Warmest Regards,
John Carlson,
National President, NAAACCC
www.naaaccc.ca