The PRIDE organization took the responsibility in initiating discussions with MADD U.S to become their own national organization in Canada. John Bates, who was with PRIDE from the beginning, as well as other members of PRIDE were successful with their discussions and negotiated with MADD U.S to become their own organization, known as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Canada. Due to the success, Mr. Bates was presented with the title of Founder by the National Board of Directors.
MADD Canada was then created in 1989 to form a national group of victims/survivors and concerned citizens to take action to stop impaired driving as well as to support victims of this violent crime.
This charitable organization is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims of this crime. Driving under the influence of alcohol or any drugs of that matter is a terrible crime that impacts our lives. In fact, each and every year thousands of Canadians are killed or injured due to impaired driving crashes.
In the past years, there has been many legal issues that MADD Canada believed needed to be reformed. Those including; the implementation of random breath testing, tougher sentencing for repeat offenders; and inquiries involving BAC limits.
MADD Canada wanted to in force the use of breath test for a way to narrow evidence available for defences against impaired driving, specifically the “Carter Defence’ and the ‘Last Drink Defence’.