BREAKING: AMTA advocates for government exemption to ensure access to essential medical supplies and goods for Albertans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Without commercial transportation, we would all be without essential necessities during this time of the COVID-19 health crisis.
Stemming from comments made at the March 15 provincial government press conference, the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) would like to reiterate Premier Jason Kenney’s comments on the importance of commercial transport having the capability to transport food and supplies across the Canada/US border.
“If trucking comes to a halt due to cross border limitations, we no longer have access to the most basic and essential supplies needed during this epidemic,” stressed Chris Nash, AMTA president. “Medical and sanitation supplies and other emergency items as well as prescriptions, food and water are typically delivered every day, in every single community within our province. If there is going to be border changes and possible 14 day self-isolation imposed on everyone who crosses the border (including truck drivers) the province is in serious danger.”
The AMTA is closely following all Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services directives and as a health and safety association, fully understands the severity and complexity of the current situation. At the same time, the AMTA is also working closely with fellow provincial transportation associations and the Canadian Trucking Alliance to ensure provincial and federal governments fully understand the risk of issuing a mandatory 14 day self-isolation period for truck drivers crossing the border.
“We must keep drivers safe and fully endorse that they be given items such as hand sanitizer, wipes, gloves, have food in their trucks, and have the policies and resources they need to work through this pandemic,” explained Nash. “However, Canada still needs full access to the supply chain, particularly during this stressful pandemic. Limiting access to truckers and carriers could put all Canadians at serious physical, emotional, mental and economic risk.”
The AMTA has already developed industry specific strategies and polices that are being shared with shippers, receivers, carriers and truck drivers, and is in active communication with all stakeholders.
“Keeping drivers and the general public safe is top priority,” explained Andrew Barnes, AMTA director of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs. “The AMTA will continue to work with government around the clock to assist with recommendations for short term changes, allowing both the supply chain and trucks to maintain movement of essential goods across the border.”
For access to updates and advisories, AMTA statements, workplace resources, government and WCB statements as well as the AMTA COVID-19 timeline, visit https://amta.ca/news-events/covid-19-resources/
-30-
Kelsey Hipkin
Staff Writer
Alberta Motor Transport Association
403.837-9978
Alberta Motor Transport Association
The Alberta Motor Transport Association was formed in 1938 and is the voice, the standard and the resource for commercial transportation in Alberta. We represent 400 Carrier Members, 250 Associate Suppliers and 14,500 Associate Carriers through the Workers’ Compensation Board industry codes for General Trucking (50714), Specialized Trucking (50701) and Garbage Collection and Disposal (57901)