The Highway 43 bypass at Grande Prairie is now open to traffic.

The Grande Prairie region has become increasingly busy with industry and a growing economy, and Highway 43 is an important link for families and businesses alike,” said Minister of Transportation Ric McIver. “This bypass will meet the demand for transportation infrastructure that helps Albertans get to work and supports the region’s economic growth.”

Several amendments to Part III of the Canada Labour Code became effective September 1, 2019. These apply to ALL federally regulated employers. Further details are contained in the article below.

Compliance Bulletin Labour Code Exemptions 2019

With a long history of overspending and the highest spending rates in the country, Alberta Finance Minister Travis Toews says reductions are coming. Health care and education have already been identified as priorities within the pending budget, while all other sectors including transportation appear to now be at the mercy of a ‘generalist approach.’

For over 3,500 North American companies, SmartWay Transportation Partnership has been improving the way they do business. Designed as a collaboration, SmartWay helps carriers and shippers change the way they operate such that they can reduce fuel costs, improve efficiencies and enhance business best practices in freight supply chains. It’s about transporting goods in the cleanest and most efficient ways possible.

The driver shortage remains a clear and present danger for trucking’s future. It remains one of the top business concerns for fleet owners across the country. Unfortunately, the labour market data available is not telling the whole story.

Did you know that a grant can cover up to two thirds of employee training costs in trucking and logistics, including MELT? That’s up to $10,000 per employee or a cap at $300,000 per employer each fiscal year. Read more.

A change in government has brought with it a number of changes to Alberta Employment Standards and Labour Relations Code. One of these takes effect today, while others will be implemented this fall. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the outcomes of Bill 2: Make Alberta Open for Business, as legislation changes will directly impact your business.

Today marks the announcement of the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) rule, which is significant as it reinforces the need for national compliance for safety standards. Further details and AMTA’s endorsement of the new rule are summarized in the attached release. June 13, 2019 – ELD Press Release

Are you federally regulated?

If so, you will want to update yourself on the new acquired and proposed Canada Labour Code (the Code) changes. As the workforce diversifies and employee rights are becoming more modernized, it is imperative that employers know their responsibilities. This includes: hours of work, leaves, vacation, termination and other proposed changes.

During the recent AMTA Leadership Conference and AGM in Kananaskis Country, five industry leaders were recognized for their ongoing achievements in commercial transportation.

Trucking HR Canada: OTTAWA, ON (April 9, 2019)— Sixty-three of the best workplaces in Canada’s trucking and logistics industry have earned honours through the 6th annual Top Fleet Employers program, Trucking HR Canada has announced.

Edmonton, AB (March 6, 2019) – Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) hosted the grand opening of its state-of-the-art safety training facility at the Edmonton International Airport (EIA) Airport City site today. The facility will function as a commercial transportation hub for safety training development and delivery, research and technology innovation and will play a key role in strengthening education for commercial drivers across the province.

Changes to the Safety Fitness Certificate in Alberta are being implemented that may impact your business. The renewal of Safety Fitness Certificates is going to highlight the importance of carrier compliance and confidently engage more carriers to seek out compliance information. By taking a proactive review carriers safety programs and driver behavior and addressing any safety issues that are identified immediately, a company may not only improve their level of compliance and on-road safety performance, but also earn a positive reputation within the transportation industry.

It is the season for holiday 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…

The trucking industry plays a major role in the functioning of the Canadian economy. Virtually all goods that are delivered to consumers find themselves on a truck during at least one segment of their journey and the industry employs in excess of 400,000 people.

CTA: The Government of Canada’s Fall Economic Fall Statement delivered an early Christmas present for the Canadian trucking industry in the form of significant accelerated cost allowances for tractor/truck capital; an emphasis on further harmonizing trucking regulations; enhancements to major western trade corridors to the United States as well as intermodal connectivity improvements.

On October 10, 2018, the Government of Alberta announced plans to introduce new Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) Program requirements for drivers seeking to obtain a Class 1 (tractor-trailer) or Class 2 (bus, school) driver’s licences. Since the announcement of the MELT Programs, Alberta Transportation has worked together with industry stakeholders to develop training curriculums for Class 1 and Class 2 MELT Programs that will meet the driver training needs of Albertans.

The Student Transportation Association of Alberta (STAA), in partnership with Alberta Traffic Safety Fund, has produced an educational video for drivers. According to STAA, the video will contribute to safer highways by highlighting safe driving procedures in compliance with the Traffic Safety Act.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance visited Grande Prairie on October 17 and Edmonton on October 18 to conduct roundtable sessions with Carrier Members – hosted by the Alberta Motor Transport Association. The sessions were aimed at better understanding the needs of the members in this region and discussing ways the CTA advocates for members on the national level.