The Manitoba government seeks input from ag and transportation industries
By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Government of Manitoba officials will host consultations to gain industry stakeholder insights on proposed mandatory entry-level training (MELT) for truck drivers.
MELT could affect the agricultural, infrastructure and transportation sectors, a government release said yesterday.
“Our government is focused on safety above all else,” Ron Schuler, Manitoba’s infrastructure minister, said in the release.
“Mandatory entry-level training is something the trucking industry has asked for and we want to work in a collaborative way to ensure that Manitoba roadways are as safe as possible.”
This spring, the province began work with Manitoba Education and Training, and Manitoba Public Insurance, the release said.
Together, these groups developed MELT, which is a uniform framework for drivers looking to obtain class one licences.
“We want to hear from Manitobans and ensure this proposed change focuses on safety in collaboration with industry,” Schuler said.
Throughout the consultations, Manitoba Infrastructure staff will examine training standards, how to address out-of-province drivers travelling in Manitoba and determine the scope of drivers who will require this training, the release said.
Officials will hold consultations on Jan. 7 in Winnipeg and Jan. 10 in Brandon.
Saskatchewan also recently introduced mandatory training prerequisites for drivers seeking a Class one commercial license.
M.G.S. Farming photo