TORONTO (CP) _ Transport Canada says it needs more proof that Canadian drivers are at risk before it considers following a U.S. recall order on faulty Chinese-made tires.

Transport Canada's chief defect inspector Lars Eif says an investigation into the tires is underway and will wrap-up in August.

But a consumer activist says that's not good enough.

Bruce Cran, president of the Consumers' Association of Canada, says government regulations don't do enough to protect consumers.

Unlike U.S. officials, Transport Canada does not have the power to issue recall orders unless a manufacturer says a product is defective.

Cran's comments come on the heels of a recent recall order by U.S. authorities on 450,000 Chinese-made tires which are being blamed for at least two deaths.