The Manitoba government says it will strengthen driver safety, training and retention in the trucking industry by taking immediate steps to implement recommendations of an independent report.

The report by MNP and commissioned by a joint government-industry steering committee, co-chaired by the province and Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA) made numerous recommendations and was published a year ago.  

“The industry-informed report guided our government’s actions – a series of policy options to improve driver safety, training and retention – and we’d like to thank the industry committee members for their valuable insights and their continued advocacy for the sector,” Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses, said in a news release.

Informed by leading practices in other jurisdictions and stakeholder insights, MNP identified more than 40 policy options to strengthen the sector’s workforce relating to recruitment and workforce diversity and inclusion; regulatory oversight of training; driver training accessibility, efficiency and effectiveness; and driver testing standards.

“As a first action toward implementing the recommendations of the report, our government is centralizing the oversight of truck driver training through a single regulatory body to enhance both driver and public safety by improving the regulation and monitoring of training standards, testing and outcomes,” Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor said in the news release.

“Driver training schools will also benefit from streamlined administrative and regulatory processes so they can focus on providing the highest quality training possible for the industry’s next generation of workers.”

Changes to regulatory oversight of driver training

The joint steering committee will be made permanent to guide the implementation of the report’s recommendations, beginning with changes to the regulatory oversight of driver training.

Aaron Dolyniuk, MTA executive director said, “Drivers are the foundation of our industry and this report recognizes that changes are needed to improve professional driver training outcomes. Streamlining regulatory oversight for driver training providers under one organization is a solid first step to ensure that professional drivers are successful. We welcome this change and look forward to continuing our work on the joint steering committee.”

The joint steering committee formed in 2022 to identify strategies for addressing the workforce challenges facing Manitoba’s trucking sector. In addition to the co-chairs, the committee includes representation from Advanced Education and Training, Manitoba Public Insurance, Transportation and Infrastructure as well as carriers.