Table of Contents

Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 2
Main points................................................................................................................................................ 3
Article Conclusion................................................................................................................................... 5
Feedback/Thoughts ................................................................................................................................ 6
References ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms ........................................................................................................... 8

© Seneca Polytechnic 1 of 9
 The Future of Automated Vehicles in Canada

Report of the PPSC Working Group on Connected and Automated Vehicles

Introduction

The report of PPSC Working Group (2018) on “The Future of Automated Vehicles in

Canada” presented immediate and persisting policy implications of deploying automated and

connected vehicles (AVs and CVs) on Canada’s public roads, which highlighted the significance

of having an efficient integration of transportation systems and smart roadway infrastructure (SRI),

and discovered opportunities, inconsistencies, and strategies for fostering collaboration globally

and throughout Canada (p.4). AVs, which are the focus of the said article, are “autonomous,

driverless or self-driving…controlled by computer hardware and software…using sensors,

cameras, artificial intelligence, global positioning systems”, can steer and regulate movement

without human intervention (PPSC Working Group, 2018, p. 6), with at least few safety

mechanism components such as the brakes, steering or throttle (“What is an Automated Vehicle”,

n.d.), and levels of automation from 0 to 5 as identified by the Society of Automotive Engineers

(PPSC Working Group, 2019, p.2). In contrast, CVs use the internet to inform the driver, not to

decide for the latter, to communicate with other vehicles and transportation systems, and to

increase responsiveness to their surroundings (PPSC Working Group, 2019, p.2). PPSC Working

Group stated that the abovementioned capabilities and progressive development of AV

technology raised crucial issues in our current time which must be addressed by Canada

government and the AV business sectors, with adaptive transportation regulations and technology

standards, to guarantee road safety and efficient AV implementation in Canada and its

international borders (PPSC Working Group, 2018, pp. 4-6).

© Seneca Polytechnic 2 of 9
Main points

PPSC Working Group’s article (2018) discussed several key points; that bringing AVs into

our daily lives is not simple and involves different aspects. Here are some main points and their

relevance to the thesis:

Ø Major Issues and Recommendation

As mentioned in PPSC Working Group (2018) “The Future of Automated Vehicles in

Canada” report, AV technology, with AVs and CVs benefits and capabilities, are rapidly advancing

in today’s modern world, where high-level AVs development is still ongoing while low-level ones

are already commercially available (p.7). Such innovation and modernization introduce major

concerns as identified in the report such as, road safety standards and regulations, innovation

support, driver privacy rights, driver training and public awareness, data and computer technology

expertise, traffic regulatory framework, auto insurance and liability guidelines, prioritizing digital

infrastructure changes before physical infrastructure, and the public’s receptive adoption to the

transition per se (pp. 4-5). To address these issues, the AV industry and Canada government must

work together for a safe and successful launch of AV technology in the country. Canada’s

municipalities, federal, provincial, and territorial governments must collaborate for the country’s

transportation regulations to adapt in AV transition ensuring safe road travels, and to be aligned

to the international legislations for safe cross-border transports (p. 6).

Ø Short-Term Regulatory Actions (0-20 years):

How self-driving cars will be part of our future is that rules and safety standards are

necessary for these cars to drive safely with regular cars. It also stressed the importance of

balancing rules with letting companies innovate. Privacy and security are big concerns, and the

report suggested educating the public about these new cars. It also mentioned that the

government needs to get good at handling the data these cars generate (PPSC Working Group,

2018, pp. 15-17).

© Seneca Polytechnic 3 of 9
 Ø Long-Term Considerations (10-50 years):

The article discussed how these self-driving cars might change the way cities and

neighborhoods look. It is tricky to predict, but they say governments should plan for it. It also

examined on issues such as making sure these cars are accessible for everyone, thinking about

how it might affect government money, and considering the impact on jobs. All these factors are

part of making sure self-driving cars benefit everyone and do not create new problems (PPSC

Working Group, 2018, pp. 20-21).

Ø Additional Issues:

The report stated about making sure everyone can use AVs, especially those who might

face difficulties with transportation. This fits with the idea that AVs should be inclusive. It also

discussed how AVs can affect money matters for the government, like how they get money and

spend it. This supports the idea that governments need to be ready for economic changes due to

AVs. The article also mentioned that AVs might change jobs for some people. It suggests ways to

help those who might be affected. This goes along with the idea that AVs will have big impacts on

society, and we need plans to handle these changes wisely (PPSC Working Group, 2018, pp. 23-

24).

Ø Feature Projects:

Several significant examples are provided in PPSC Working Group’s report (2018) to

bolster its arguments. The Pilot Regulation on the Testing of AVs in Ontario is an instance, as it

was the pioneer in Canada to permit AV testing while driving. This regulation established testing

requirements, such as limited testing to testing purposes, a 10-year period with interim

evaluations, requirements specific to drivers and vehicles, and adherence to predetermined

standards (PPSC Working Group, 2018, p.12).

The ACTIVE-AURORA project in Edmonton/Vancouver, which focuses on testing wireless

connected vehicle technology, is another example given. This project is a component of the

research that will shape Alberta's future investments in intelligent transportation systems. It

© Seneca Polytechnic 4 of 9
assesses the ways in which connected vehicle technology can improve traffic demand

management, peak capacity, and traffic flow on busy roads, as well as transportation safety.

These instances highlight the advancements and difficulties encountered in Canada's testing and

integration of automated and connected car technologies (PPSC Working Group, 2018, p.13).

Article Conclusion

This report, “The Future of Automated Vehicles in Canada”, by PPSC Working Group

(2018) emphasized the crucial need for proactive and coordinated efforts spanning governmental,

industrial, and academic realms to effectively address policy and regulatory challenges

associated with deploying AVs on public roads. The focal points include establishing a

comprehensive National Policy Framework, aligning testing and regulatory frameworks

internationally, and fostering investment in industry and academia for robust testing and

evaluation of AV technology (pp. 25, 26). The findings underscored the intricate nature of

challenges and opportunities presented by AV technology, necessitating short-term focus on

integration with traditional vehicles and addressing road safety, liability, insurance, data sharing,

privacy, and cybersecurity. Looking ahead, AVs hold potential for significant contributions to

economic growth, public mobility, and quality of life, with a longer-term vision to redesign cities

and communities for enhanced mobility and sustainability (pp. 16, 24). Additionally, the report

stressed the importance of supporting AV testing on public roads, ensuring informed responses

to safety, accessibility, and regulatory standards, and calls for collaborative practices and

knowledge exchange among jurisdictions engaged in AV testing (pp. 12, 17, 25). In summary,

sustained collaboration and investment are deemed essential for the secure and efficient

integration of AV technology into the Canadian transportation sector, alongside a focus on raising

public awareness and disseminating critical safety information related to AV technology.

© Seneca Polytechnic 5 of 9
Feedback/Thoughts

The report delved into the intricacies of policy and regulatory considerations essential for

the successful deployment of AVs on Canadian public roads. Aligning with the report's emphasis

on collaboration, the recent advancements in AV technology, notably showcased by

manufacturers like Tesla, underscore the immense potential that lies ahead for Canada (Autopilot

and Full Self-Driving Capability | Tesla Support Canada, 2021). The progress made over the past 5

years highlights the need for proactive policymaking to incentivize manufacturers to explore and

invest in this rapidly evolving space, echoing the report's call for collaboration and investment

across government levels and industry. As the report stressed the importance of a National Policy

Framework (PPSC Working Group, 2018, p. 5), the additional insight supports this by

emphasizing the need for consolidated information across relevant domains. It underscores the

necessity of stringent data supervision protocols, aligning with the broader theme of addressing

privacy concerns highlighted in the report. The article also highlighted the importance of

addressing institutional, legal, privacy, and cybersecurity issues related to AVs (PPSC Working

Group, 2018, p. 16). It emphasized the need for public education and awareness on AV safety

issues, privacy implications, and the transition period from human drivers to AVs (PPSC Working

Group, 2018, p. 17). The report highlighted the importance of an informed and prepared

community, recognising the significance of managing the transition period from human drivers to

AVs. Our thoughts on this report align with the importance of balancing regulation and innovation.

While regulations are necessary to ensure public safety and protect privacy, they should not stifle

innovation. The report signified the need for governments to actively engage with industry

stakeholders, stay informed about emerging technologies, and develop regulations that not only

safeguard public safety and privacy but also encourage innovation in the burgeoning field of AVs.

This cohesive approach is crucial to unlocking the full potential of AVs in Canada while ensuring

a safe and well-prepared transition to this transformative era in transportation.

© Seneca Polytechnic 6 of 9
 References

“Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability | Tesla Support Canada.” (2021). Tesla.

www.tesla.com/en_ca/support/autopilot.

PPSC Working Group. (2018). The Future of Automated Vehicles in Canada: Report of the

PPSC Working Group on Connected and Automated Vehicles. COMT Reports.

https://comt.ca/Reports/The%20Future%20of%20Automated%20Vehicles%20in%20Can

ada%202018.pdf

PPSC Working Group. (2019). Automated and Connected Vehicles Policy Framework for

Canada: PPSC Working Group on Automated and Connected Vehicles. COMT Reports.

https://www.comt.ca/Reports/AVCV%20Policy%20Framework%202019.pdf

“What is an Automated Vehicle”. (n.d.). City of Toronto. Retrieved February 1, 2024, from

https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation/transportation-

projects/automated-vehicles/automated-vehicles-research-reports/

© Seneca Polytechnic 7 of 9
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms

• AV/AVs - Automated Vehicle/s

• COMT - Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety

• CVs - Connected Vehicles

• PPSC - Policy and Planning Support Committee

© Seneca Polytechnic 8 of 9