Ontario Drive Clean program cancelled by province

By Guoliang Fu

This Spring, drivers will be skipping the usual vehicle testing.

As of April 1, 2019, drivers are no longer required to get Drive Clean emissions tests on their vehicles. Across Canada, Ontario is the only province that has compulsory light duty vehicle emissions testing. But the new P.C. government cancelled the Drive Clean program to “save money”, and will release a new program to target the biggest polluters.

“We’re saving taxpayers over $40 million every year. We’re better targeting the biggest polluters to protect Ontario’s air,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford.

The Drive Clean has effectively provided a way to target emissions related to smog and other environmental issues, according to Rod Phillips, Minister of the Environment. 

Heavy-duty vehicles like commercial transport trucks will be the new program’s target. John Yakabuski, Minister of Transportation, said the program is being rolled out to ensure that Ontario continues to lead Canada in reducing harmful smog-causing pollutants. 

“These changes will make a real, long-term difference for our air quality, while respecting taxpayer dollars today,” said Yakabuski.

More details about the new program will be available in the coming months.