Trucking HR Canada released a new labour market information report today, analyzing newly released vacancy data.

The latest released data shows:

Today, Trucking HR Canada (THRC) announces a new project, funded by the Government of Alberta, that will support Alberta employers with recruitment and retention efforts. THRC has partnered with the Alberta Motor Transport Association to deliver project activities.

AMTA would like to introduce the Student Work Placement (SWP) subsidy to Alberta-based employers. This subsidy is targeted at both traditional trucking companies and those in other industries that have a trucking component to their operations. For example companies in the construction, manufacturing, agriculture and other industries employee commercial trucks.

BFL CANADA Risk and Insurance Services Inc. has signed on as the Alberta Motor Transport Association’s (AMTA) 2023 Driver of the Month sponsor.

Long time members of the Association, BFL CANADA Risk and Insurance Services Inc. made the decision to show its appreciation to the safest drivers on the road recognizing that ‘Safe Drivers Make Safe Fleets’.

On April 1, 2023, the federal minimum wage will increase to $16.65 from $15.55 per hour in 2022, an increase of a $1.10 or 7.1%.[1]

Trucking HR Canada’s preliminary research findings released today reveal the trucking and logistics sector has more work to do when it comes to attracting more women to the workplace.

The first phase of a three-part research initiative took place February 17-25, 2023, with 1500 interviews. The research was conducted by Abacus Data for Trucking HR Canada, and today at its 9th annual Women with Drive Leadership Summit, David Coletto shared the following initial findings with attendees:

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.