Transport Minister Omar Alghabra officially announced the Government of Canada’s commitment to provide $46 million to the trucking industry to address the nation’s growing truck driver shortage.

Today’s announcement follows a joint statement last January between the Government of Canada and the Canadian Trucking Alliance in recognizing the driver shortage challenge and its impact on the Canadian supply chain.

Note: On Feb. 28, it was announced these changes will be now come into effect September, 2023.

Please be advised that key changes to the Traffic Safety Act will take effect on March 1, 2023. Important amendments have been made to the rules that govern the passing of stopped emergency vehicles on a highway.

The updated legislation extends safe passing protections for roadside workers to include snowplows and highway maintenance vehicles, in addition to emergency vehicles and tow trucks.

The 2023 Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of the Alberta Motor Transport Association (“Association” and “AMTA”) will take place in-person as follows:

This year the Alberta Motor Transport Association celebrates its 85th anniversary — this is certainly a major accomplishment that deserves some major attention!

As part of the AMTA’s 85th anniversary celebrations, the Summer 2023 issue of Western Canada Highway News (the official magazine of the Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan and Manitoba trucking associations) will include a commemorative supplement in recognition of this achievement, and we are inviting you this opportunity to place an ad and help celebrate the association’s milestone accomplishment.

The AMTA Annual Leadership Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) is Alberta’s premier gathering of those who challenge, disrupt, drive, and shape – as well as supply and support – the commercial transportation industry in Alberta.

Edmonton International Airport, Alberta – Government officials, Alberta-based commercial carriers, project partners and supporters, industry stakeholders, and AMTA Board management, and staff gathered on February 10 to officially launch Canada’s first heavy-duty alternative fuel demonstrations.

Dave Elniski, AMTA Industry Advisor, Safety & Compliance

On March 1st, 2023, Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code will change [1]. These changes, already published and just awaiting implementation, are the result of the Government of Alberta’s ongoing work to keep the Code up to date and relevant for employers in Alberta; more information about these regular update efforts can be found at this link [2].

Alberta’s access to low-cost natural gas reserves and a capable workforce skilled in the natural resource sector provide the province with a competitive advantage to benefit both economically and environmentally from the rapidly growing hydrogen industry. All Canadians will benefit as the province seizes this opportunity, with support from the Government of Canada through strategic investments to advance Alberta’s hydrogen industry.

Dave Elniski, AMTA Industry Advisor, Safety & Compliance

This article has also been submitted for publication in CVSA’s Guardian magazine.

We’re in 2023 now, and that means electronic logging device (ELD) enforcement has begun in Canada. Many carriers are learning how to install and use these devices, and many drivers are adapting to a new way of accounting for their driving and on-duty time.

One thing ELDs have done is show us the importance of the minute. While such short periods of time were previously ignored, generally speaking, by drivers and carrier safety management alike, the digital precision of the ELD will require a different attitude towards time and to whom it needs to be attached. Even a short bit of driving will result in recorded driving time that must be assigned to a specific account in order to reduce the occurrence of warnings and digital flags.

AMTA 2022: Year in Review

2023 AMTA Awards nominations now open!

Recognizing the right skills and attitudes needed to share the road with less experienced drivers

Dave Elniski, AMTA Industry Advisor, Safety & Compliance

Truckers and other professional drivers share their workspace with drivers of all different skill levels. It isn’t always obvious who has experience and who does not, especially under ideal conditions when traffic is steady.

Are you an employer with workers? If so, you’re required to fill out an annual return reporting your workers’ assessable earnings paid in the last year along with what earnings you expect to pay in the upcoming year. This is important information to ensure you’re paying the correct premium amount.

‘Tis the season for Christmas parties, and in many cases, comes the serving of alcohol at a company sanctioned event. This is often part of the company culture and in line with the lifestyles of many of the workers but certainly not in all cases. Regardless, the risk of serving alcohol at workplace sanctioned events can outweigh the benefits.

Via Canadian Trucking Alliance

Background

CTA: The Government of Canada will be implementing new measures related to Paid Medical Leave (Bill-C3) on December 1. 2022. In practice, this new entitlement will provide all employees in the federally regulated private sector, including trucking companies, with ten paid sick days. These days will be in addition to the five days already provided under ‘personal leave’ and any vacation that may be taken. These 15 days have been permanently added to the Canada Labour Code and will begin to be available to current employees in 2023.

Dave Elniski, AMTA Industry Advisor, Safety & Compliance

On November 25th, 2022, the Government of Alberta announced plans to complete the twinning of the remaining portions of Highway 3.  Broken into eight phases with varying timings, the plan is to twin the remaining 215 kilometres of the Southern Alberta highway. [1]

The application period for the Canada Summer Job (CSJ) program now open and will close on January 12, 2023. The CSJ is a wage subsidy that supports youth to gain valuable work experience and provides employers with support when hiring youth for summer employment.

Applicants can seek funding to hire youth between April 24, 2023 and September 2, 2023.

Receive up to $10,ooo in training grants and wage incentives

The program is open to all Canadian trucking and logistics employers who are looking to hire for driving and non-driving positions. Qualified candidates must be either a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident or granted Refugee Status.

On Dec 1, 2022, WCB announced the 2023 industry rates. The average industry rate will increase from $1.17 by nine cents to $1.26 rather than $1.50, which would be required to cover the total forecasted claims cost for 2023. WCB will absorb the additional costs from its accident fund, to cover $270 million in employer premiums.

Brian Dumsday posthumous recipient of AMTA 2022 Friend to Industry Award