Via Motor Coach Canada: Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced that as of Friday, June 19, 2020, more businesses can access the $40,000 CEBA loan. Qualifier requirements have been further extended and CEBA will now be accessible to owner-operated small businesses with a lack of payroll, sole proprietors receiving business income directly, as well as family-owned corporations remunerating in the form of dividends rather than payroll.

With Canada-U.S. border restrictions being extended once again until July 21, 2020, CTA has been contacted by a number of members seeking further clarification on the conditions of admissibility for trucking company employees, such as company owners, operations or sales staff, who may have to travel across the border for company related business.

Motor Coach Canada wants to make industry aware of some upcoming regulation changes.

CTA: At least 40 cities and Washington, DC imposed curfews Sunday in response to protests across the country

SWEETGRASS, Mont. ― U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will continue to operate six ports of entry in Montana and one in Idaho at reduced hours due an agreement signed by Canada and the United States to extend the “essential only” travel restrictions through at least June 22, or until the Administration lifts the current travel restrictions.

Below is PQR related to the transportation of individuals requiring isolation due to COVID-19:

On May 7, the Government of Alberta announced even more highway upgrades, adding to announcements made May 4, May 5 and May 6. These projects are part of the $2 billion that government announced on April 9 in response to the COVID-19 recession in order to create jobs.

For the third day in a row, the Alberta Government has announced funding for highway upgrades in the province.

The Government of Alberta has announced a number of roadway upgrades for southern Alberta May 5, following northern upgrades announced May 4.

Caption: Today Transportation Minister Ric McIver (seen here in a stock photo) announced further details on a number of Alberta highway repairs and upgrades initially announced April 9. Photo via Alberta Government Flickr

Emergency Preparedness Week takes place the first full week of May and helps Canadians take the steps to protect themselves and their families during emergencies.

On April 30, the Government of Alberta announced, via press conference, a phased relaunch, which “will put Albertans’ safety first” with gradual re-opening of closed businesses and services in the province.

CTA Release: While public support and appreciation for truck drivers during the COVID-19 crisis remains unprecedently high, a recent survey by the Canadian Trucking Alliance shows that federal aid is now required to provide much needed relief to trucking companies whose operations have been severely strained by the impact of the pandemic.

CTA News Release: The Canadian Trucking Alliance was informed today by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) that the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is directing the agency, effective immediately, to implement a policy requiring all essential workers crossing the border to wear a non-medical mask or face covering and to provide drivers with a mask should they not have one.

Effective April 9, 2020, the Government of Alberta is extending the expiry dates of select vehicle inspection certificates until May 15, 2020, if the certificate expires between March 17 and May 15, 2020.

April 11 Update: UPDATE: BC has updated the self isolation plan requirements which now exempts certain occupations, including truck drivers, upon entry to BC from having to create a self-isolation plan.

Alberta is temporarily modifying some regulations for truck drivers and railway operators to protect the supply chain and ensure Canadians can access necessities like medical supplies, groceries and fuel during the COVID-19 crisis.

In response to the COVID-19 recession, the Alberta government will allocate almost $2 billion from the 2020 Capital Plan to resurface roads, repair bridges, restore schools and fill potholes, all to get thousands of Albertans back to work.

The Industry Task Force has released a brief member survey on the WCB premium relief program announced by government a few weeks ago. There were suggestions from some members that the $10m cap on insurable earnings should be increased because this places an unreasonable restriction on program eligibility and that the program should be expanded to include public sector employers. There are also unanswered questions regarding participation of not-for-profit employers.

CTA Release: All levels of government and the private sector need clear guidance when it comes to determining the services and functions that are essential in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.