Manitoba plans to continue multi-agency blitzes into 2026, which are aimed at educating drivers about the dangers of misclassification and the role of the Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB).

In late October, two multi-agency blitzes were held at the Emerson Highway Traffic Inspection Station, according to Manitoba’s summary of enforcement efforts.

WCB staff engaged with 72 drivers and provided information in English to 10 drivers who requested to communicate in Punjabi.

“The blitz was an excellent opportunity for the WCB to provide education to drivers about the WCB, including their rights as workers, and how to report workplace injuries. Most drivers spoke to were unfamiliar with the WCB so the education provided filled an important gap in knowledge,” Manitoba’s Motor Carrier Enforcement branch reported.

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) representatives were also present. They engaged with 158 drivers and identified six who were likely misclassified. Issues that came up in discussions with drivers included unpaid wages, overtime violations and reduced work hours.

Eleven CVSA inspections were conducted with six drivers placed out of service. More such blitzes are planned in 2026.

Meanwhile, over the Thanksgiving weekend, Manitoba Motor Carrier Enforcement officers participated in Operation Impact, a nationwide safety initiative targeting dangerous driving. More than 200 charges were laid in relation to commercial vehicles for a range of offenses.

Alarmingly, of 117 commercial vehicle inspections, 19 drivers – or 16% — were placed out of service for ELD tampering/falsification.

The United States announced this week steps to better ensure the compliance of ELDs, requiring providers to submit proof their devices meet the intended technical standard and are tamper-proof.