DIEPPE, NB — Not all sections of the Trans-Canada Highway are cleared of snow 24/7 and that makes these highways unsafe for travelling at certain times of the winter months, according to Jean-Marc Picard, executive director of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association (APTA). 

To fix the problem, elected Member of the House of Assembly (MHA) for Burgeo­La Poile, Andrew Parsons  is working for 24-hour snow clearing between Stephenville and Port aux Basques on the Trans-Canada Highway. 

Parsons has the backing of APTA and has received many petitions since the House of Assembly’s spring session begun. He’s drafted a letter addressed to Transportation and Works Minister Nick McGrath regarding snow clearing on the Trans-Canada Highway. 

“As we understand, the snow is not being cleared 24/7 like other stretches of the TCH, therefore this would indicate that these highways are not safe for travelling at certain times during the winter months,” Picard told the Labradorian newspaper. 

Picard explained that the trucking industry relies heavily on these highways and proper maintenance would assure the safety of drivers as well as the efficiency of the flow of goods.

Delivery of goods during the winter months to Newfoundland and Labrador is difficult with the ferry system and weather conditions, Picard added and said 24-hour snow clearing would be one less concern to worry about when travelling to the province.

“Trucking is the primary mode of transportation in Newfoundland and Labrador, that’s why the maintenance of the road during winter months is crucial and needs to be a priority for our industry,” Picard said.