FREDERICTON, N.B. — The New Brunswick government has tabled amendments to the Salvage Dealers Licensing Act aimed at improving safety and accountability at salvage sites.
Following the American Iron and Metal (AIM) fire at Port Saint John, Public Safety Minister Kris Austin said the incident brought to light the safety risk posed by the sites and materials to the facilities and surrounding areas.
The proposed amendments announced on May 7 include requirements for salvage dealer license applications to include a fire safety plan approved by the fire marshal, as well as increasing penalties for violating licensing requirements.
If passed, it will also establish new ministerial powers to temporarily suspend licences and impose special conditions.
“Government has taken the findings of the AIM task force seriously and the proposed amendments will put more emphasis on compliance with the national fire code and help prevent a similar event from happening in the future, while also strengthening the Department of Justice and Public Safety’s response if one does," said Austin.
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