What’s New: In Brief (April 23, 2009)

Ontario drivers will be prohibited from using hand-held cell phones and other hand-held electronic entertainment and communications devices while driving.
The Countering Distracted Driving and Promoting Green Transportation Act, 2009 prohibits the use of hand-held devices to talk, text or email while driving. It received third reading in the legislature, Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation says.
Once supporting regulations are developed, the new law could be in effect as early as fall 2009.
The maximum fine under the legislation is $500.

The RIMS Canada Council has donated $30,000 to the William H. McGannon Foundation.
Following suit, SCM Insurance Services also announced a donation of $8,500 and the Canadian Litigation Council a donation of $1,500, bringing the total to $40,000.
McGannon Foundation and RIMS president Joe Restoule accepted the donations at the RIMS Canada Night Reception at the RIMS 2009 Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.
In a speech, Restoule noted that many could not attend this year’s RIMS’ conference due to economic conditions. But he remained optimistic the risk management community would weather the storm.
“And this very generous donation will help to ensure that the next generation of risk managers is even stronger,” he said.