Employers Using the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) Program and Reporting WCB Insurable Earnings
All eligible employers whose business have been affected by COVID-19 were eligible for a subsidy of up to 75% of employee wages for up to 24 weeks, retroactive from March 15, 2020, to August 29, 2020.
AMTA education update: Continuous improvement or “Why you should always fill out the course evaluation” (Copy)
A ministerial order took effect May 3rd, 2020 which temporarily amends the OHS Code during the COVID-19 epidemic. The changes list specific respirator standards, approved for use in other countries, that employers can utilize without requiring approval.
The Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code requires employers to develop and utilize a respiratory protective equipment code of practice (COP) whenever respirators are used at the work site.
Collaborate for a safer tomorrow
Josh Hannaberry, CNTL, AMTA Regional Chair, Calgary
Recently on social media, I came across a cartoon that portrayed a powerful message.
Alberta deficit forecasted to surpass $24 billion
In a release from the Alberta Government, the provinces deficit is forecasted at $24.2 billion, $16.8 billion higher than the Budget 2020 estimate due to the economic impacts stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and oil price crash.
AMTA Instructor Spotlight: Robert Destree
Robert started teaching defensive driving in June 1990, having worked with both novice and experienced drivers. He created driver training programs for two large oil and gas service companies before joining the AMTA as Senior Instructor, Driver Development, helping to create course content. Robert also teaches drivers the AMTA Professional Driver Improvement Course and a variety of lessons on the driving simulator. He also trains instructors for both PDIC and the simulator.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Certificate of Recognition (COR) Program Update
Alberta’s Certificate of Recognition (COR) program saw multiple accommodations made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the most significant was the move to “documentation only” audits and the resulting one-year COR employers would receive when certifying using this method. This limitation on their certificate meant employers would need to hire an external auditor to complete their audit next year as well, instead of enjoying two years of maintenance audits that could be completed by an internal auditor. AMTA is pleased to report that this situation has now changed.
AMTA releases first of four videos celebrating commercial transportation industry
The Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) has produced a video celebrating the commercial transportation industry as the connector, mover and carriers of the province’s economy.
Instructor Spotlight: Kristi Phinney
Kristi is a facilitator and instructor for Self-Evaluator Certification/Recertification Training. With the Alberta Motor Transport Association, she is Quality Assurance Reviewer of large employ audits in the AMTA Certificate of Recognition Department. She aids and guides member companies and auditors regarding the COR program and the auditing process.
Instructor Spotlight: Tim Reteff, B.A., CRSP
Tim teaches Fundamentals of Investigations for the Alberta Motor Transport Association and has worked in Health & Safety for nearly fifteen years.
News Release: Alberta Motor Transport Association and Saskatchewan Trucking Association: First of its kind partnership in safety
Calgary, AB (August 11, 2020) – For over 80 years, the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) has been the voice, the standard and the resource for the commercial transportation industry in Alberta. So too has the Saskatchewan Trucking Association who has be dedicated to the betterment of the industry through education, connection and support for members.
AMTA Instructor Spotlight: Michael Mooney
Michael Mooney is a results-driven and impactful professional with 18+ years of experience in operations, safety, and organizational development within the transportation industry. He maintains new business developments through client relationship management and strategic business development. Governs high performing teams through policy and procedure compliance while shaping professional development, training programs and succession planning of direct and indirect reports. Michael creates and implements innovative process improvements to optimize operations and increase revenue and identifies ideal strategies to drive business growth and improve daily operational excellence, safety leadership and customer satisfaction outcomes.
Column: CVE merges with Sheriff Traffic Operations to form Sheriff Highway Patrol
Submitted by Sheriff Highway Patrol
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement merged with Sheriff Traffic Operations to form the new Sheriff Highway Patrol (SHP) unit, which is part of the Sheriffs Branch. The public will notice a change in shoulder flashes on officers’ uniforms from “Commercial Vehicle Enforcement” to “Sheriff” and vehicle decals are being updated.
Josh’s Corner – The power of our associations
First off, I want to express my gratitude to the AMTA, and my friend Cliff, for the opportunity to write my truth in Josh’s Corner – I continue to be encouraged by the diligent efforts the AMTA puts forth to serve our great industry.
A new lease on life
Driver Developer with AMTA touts Training on the Job Program
Alberta Motor Transportation Association’s Driver Developer Cavan DaPonte has a new lease on life after taking part in the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) Alberta Training on the Job program.
Alberta Government Release: Cutting outdated commercial carrier permits
Note: The AMTA has reached out for further clarification on the wording of the announced legislation with more information to follow.
The Commercial Vehicle Dimension and Weight Regulation specifies the legal size, weight and configuration limits for commercial vehicles on Alberta roads. The limits in the regulation have not been updated in decades and do not reflect modern vehicle configurations and equipment.
AMTA 2020 Annual General Meeting Notice & Nomination Forms
The AMTA’s previously announced Notice of AGM is now a Notice of AGM and Special General Meeting.
Release: Temporary reduced hours at ports of entry in Idaho and Montana remain in effect
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 through Aug. 20, unless otherwise rescinded by the Department of Homeland Security.
Province announces twinning of 66 kilometre stretch in Central Alberta
The Government of Alberta will twin a 66-kilometre stretch of the David Thompson Highway between Sylvan Lake and Rocky Mountain House with an anticipated start date in the 2021 construction season.
Landslides close Highways 64 and 743
In a release, the Province has announced the temporary closure of Highways 64 and 743.
New Research Findings: Labour Market Impacts of COVID-19 for Canada’s National Trucking Industry
On July 8, Trucking HR Canada released the second report in a series focused on assessing labour market impacts of COVID-19. This report includes updated insights of how COVID-19 is affecting trucking and logistics employment, and what can be expected for employers in the industry in the next three years. This second stage of the report presents a labour market forecast and shares results based on the ramifications of COVID-19. In the forecast, we learn that: