EDMONTON, Alta. – Heeding advice from provincial governments, the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) and Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA) have decided to postpone their upcoming conferences and AGMs.

Citing concern over the spread of the coronavirus, the AMTA’s 82nd annual Leadership Conference and AGM was scheduled to take place in Banff, Alta., April 16-18. But with the Alberta government advising against large gatherings of more than 250, including conferences, sporting, and community events, as well as avoiding travel outside of Canada, the AMTA made the choice not to hold its AGM.

AMTA president Chris Nash said the situation surrounding the coronavirus is getting increasingly concerning, particularly with the government requesting anyone who leaves the country to place themselves in quarantine for 14 days upon their return to Canada.

Nash said if the same measures were imposed on truck drivers crossing the border, the ramifications could be catastrophic.

“Trucking and transportation are vital to getting medical and sanitation supplies and other emergency items, as well as food and water delivered every day, in every single community in our province,” said Nash. “The supply chain is critical during this very stressful and trying time.

“Trucking is an essential service and especially during times of a global epidemic. The government needs to exempt truck drivers from this directive to ensure access to the essential supplies that keep us all alive.”

The AMTA has not yet set a new date for its AGM, but said its event specialist is working to secure and time.

The AMTA also postponed its Edmonton Draw Down Dinner until May 27.

Following suit, the MTA announced today that it would also postpone its annual AGM, which was scheduled to take place in Winnipeg, Man., April 3. No future date has been set.