FREDERICTON (CNB) - A driver's licence reciprocity agreement was reached today between the Province of New Brunswick and Belgium. The agreement was signed by Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General John W. Foran, and Belgium Consul General Godelieve Van den Bergh.
Under the Motor Vehicle Act, the department may enter into reciprocal agreements for the recognition and exchange of driver's licences with foreign countries whose licensing standards are similar to New Brunswick's. Residents of New Brunswick and the countries with which it signs agreements may then exchange their non-commercial driver's licences.
Foran highlighted the importance of international partnerships in working toward the province's goal of self-sufficiency.
"I'm pleased that this agreement aligns so well with the initiatives identified in our government's population growth strategy," Foran said. "This work will certainly assist us in creating a welcoming environment, and improving settlement services for newcomers to New Brunswick."
New Brunswick has similar arrangements with a number of countries and jurisdictions, but this is the second formal agreement. The other is with the Republic of South Korea.
The Department of Public Safety licenses more than 500,000 drivers in New Brunswick.
10-12-08