Various organizations and government agencies are involved in setting regulations and providing information on child restraint systems (child car seats). • Transport Canada is responsible for setting safety standards on infant and child restraint systems. This federal government department ensures that manufacturers who produce child restraints comply with Canadian safety standards. The department also investigates public complaints regarding possible safety defects in child restraints and ensures that manufacturers inform the public of any defective seat. • Provincial/Territorial governments regulate and enforce the use of child restraint systems. All provinces and territories (under their respective highway traffic legislation) require children to travel in a certified child restraint system. • Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), under contract to Transport Canada, maintains a national network of regional and community offices that provide current and accurate information on child occupant protection issues. This information is available free of charge to the general public. There is only one way to protect children from the dangers of motor vehicle collisions or sudden stops-ensuring that they are properly secured in a correctly installed child restraint system that meets Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS). This booklet is designed to help you understand the various systems available, and the importance of using them correctly. (Author/publisher)
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