Toyota Set To Be Called Before Commons Committee To Testify About Safety Issues
Posted February 26, 2010 8:38 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It appears Toyota officials will be summoned to testify at a parliamentary committee about the recent safety issues plaguing the giant automaker.
Conservative MP Jeff Watson sent a letter to the chair of the House of Commons transport committee Friday, advising that he will propose a motion calling for “an immediate investigation with respect to the recalls made by Toyota Canada.”
The move follows pressure from the NDP to hold hearings and demand more information from Toyota.
Watson writes that he will ask the committee next week to call representatives from Toyota Canada Inc., Transport Canada’s Road Safety Division, and Transport Canada’s Defects Investigation Unit, among others.
“I am very concerned that Canadian families have been exposed to potentially unsafe vehicles,” Watson writes.
“I have raised my concerns with the transport minister, and he agrees that this matter should be the first piece of business the committee attends to when Parliament resumes and committees are reconstituted.”
Toyota Canada quickly issued a statement saying it welcomes the opportunity to address the committee.
“As part of our continued efforts to communicate openly and broadly with all stakeholders – customers, Transport Canada and media – appearing before the committee is a natural next step in Toyota’s candid outreach regarding our recalls.
“Toyota looks forward to the opportunity to participate in the formal hearings to ensure issues are on the record for all Canadians to understand.”
Toyota Motor Corp. officials have appeared before a congressional hearing in Washington and agreed to disclose information that was previously withheld concerning vehicle recalls.
New Democrat MP Brian Masse said Toyota turned down his request to provide Parliament with the same information. He said Canada is “receiving second-class treatment.”
“This alone demonstrates the need for parliamentary hearings immediately,” Masse said.
Toyota has had to recall millions of vehicles in North America due to various problems, including faulty accelerator pedals and malfunctioning brakes.
