Alberta to debate ban on using cellphones while driving

For the second time in six years, the Alberta government will debate whether using hand-held cellphones while driving should be prohibited.

Calgary MLA Art Johnston, a Conservative, introduced a private member's bill Thursday that would ban using hand-held devices for making phone calls and sending text messages and e-mails while driving.

"I want to get the hands back on the steering wheel as you know we're taught when we're very young," said Johnston, a former police officer who represents the riding of Calgary-Hays.

Johnston's bill, which received first reading in the legislature Thursday, would allow drivers to use only hands-free devices while a vehicle is in motion.

The issue was debated in 2002 after Judy Gordon, then an MLA, introduced a similar motion, which was subsequently defeated in the legislature.

Johnston thinks this legislature, with its large number of new members, might feel differently.

"There's more awareness now; our new MLAs and some other MLAs are more knowledgeable about it. So I'm expecting good things that way ... and we'll see how it goes."

Stelmach doesn't support bill

Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach is still not convinced.

"It is difficult to police [a cellphone ban], there's no doubt about it," Stelmach said to reporters in Edmonton Thursday night.

Stelmach said he doesn't support a ban, and thinks the solution lies in better driver education.

"I believe you start with our young people, through driver education, and talk about significant issues tied to distraction, and that's going to be a big help."

Quebec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland have already passed legislation on driving and hand-held cellphones. Many companies and government agencies, including the city of Edmonton and the Calgary Health Region, have rules limiting the use of cellphones by employees while they are driving.