Alberta Motor Transport Association statement on Mandatory Entry Level Training

The Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) supports the commercial transportation industry, Alberta Transportation and industry stakeholders in the implementation of Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT). MELT ensures that all commercial vehicle drivers receive a minimum standard of training. MELT has not been implemented as a hardship on businesses, but instead to provide increased roadway safety.

“The AMTA has always advocated for Mandatory Entry Level Training in Alberta. What happened with Humboldt was an indescribable tragedy and the reason we still hold strong beliefs in proper training for new drivers.” says AMTA President Chris Nash.

The AMTA acknowledges that there were approximately 6800 drivers licensed between Oct. 11th, 2018, and March 1st, 2019. The association supports the transportation ministry for alleviating the backlog of drivers requiring re-testing by only exempting drivers that have demonstrated safe driving practices as per Alberta Transportation.

“We need to focus on evolving the MELT program to make Alberta’s roads safer for both new drivers and all road users,” said Nash.

Media Enquiries:
Kelsey Hipkin
Communication Specialist, AMTA
403-214-3433
media@amta.ca