Changes to the legislation that protects the public when using amusement rides and elevating devices such as elevators and escalators have been published in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette.

As of January 5, 2026, amendments to the Public Safety Act will come into force,  allowing the Chief Inspector of Amusement Rides and Elevating Devices to authorize private contractors and their mechanics to inspect amusement rides and elevating devices.

Changes to the Amusement Rides and Elevating Devices Regulations will also come into effect on January 5, 2026, establishing the qualifications and scope of work for those who can be authorized by the Chief Inspector to carry out these inspections.

The changes will require owners of these devices to submit a written report to the Chief Inspector as part of the annual process for renewing a device’s certifications. After reviewing the report, the Chief Inspector will either renew the device’s certificate or follow up with an in-person inspection.

This new process will reduce the demand for annual inspections from the Department of Government Modernization and Service Delivery, better supporting officials so that they can focus on priority inspection requirements, such as new installations and incident or complaint investigations.

Further amendments to the Amusement Rides and Elevating Devices Regulations will also come into effect on January 5, 2026, establishing the qualifications required for private contractors and their mechanics to construct, install, alter, repair, maintain, service or test an elevating device or amusement ride. These new requirements are aligned with most other jurisdictions in Canada.

Making these changes effective in January 2026 allows time for the industry to ensure they can meet licensing and certification requirements, and for both the Department and the industry to develop or modify internal business processes to facilitate the changes.

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