VANCOUVER, B.C. — B.C. has filled its vacant Container Trucking Commission Office, appointing Corinn Bell as acting commissioner and Vince Ready as acting deputy commissioner.

They’ll help achieve and maintain peaceful relations between container trucking companies serving Port Metro Vancouver and the drivers who work for them.

“Corinn Bell and Vince Ready were instrumental in producing the report that informed the Container Trucking Act and its regulations,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Todd Stone. “Both have the experience to ensure fairness and growth at the port, which plays a vital role in a strong British Columbian and Canadian economy.”

Stone said both individuals worked with industry, labour, truckers, the port and government to improve wages and working conditions for container truckers. They produced a report that recommended a commissioner be put in place to oversee the sector.

The first such commissioner, Andy Smith, resigned after just seven months on the job. A recent audit found all six container trucking companies that were audited continue to underpay drivers and/or have failed to meet their obligations regarding back pay.

The new commissioner and deputy commissioner will: be responsible for the trucking licensing system and the licences it issues; investigate, audit and enforce compliance of regulated and retroactive rates; set future rates in consultation with industry; and oversee the whistleblower line.

The Office of the Container Trucking Commissioner will also bring in labour law and labour relations expert Elena Miller to support the office’s work, the province announced.

“The operation of the Office of the Container Trucking Commissioner is vital to the long-term stability of an industry that supports hundreds of workers and their families,” said Stone. “Ms. Bell and Mr. Ready’s familiarity with the sector, the major players, and with the March 2014 Joint Action Plan means they have the background and experience to continue the work of the office while government secures a long-term replacement.”