VICTORIA – Blair Lekstrom, BC Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, had some nice words for the trucking industry in an OP-ED published yesterday on the government’s website.

The words are, if not refreshing then certainly well-needed, after BC truckers had to endure a nasty, tasteless media campaign by the British Columbia Government Employee’s Union (BCGEU) this summer.

“From the food on our tables to the many other products we rely on daily, none of it would be possible without the efforts of the hard-working men and women of B.C.’s trucking industry,” Lekstrom wrote.

“Virtually every part of our economy depends on the trucking industry — oil and gas, forestry, mining and agriculture, just to name a few.”

Lekstrom said that more than 29,000 people work in BC’s trucking industry, generating $2 billion annually in revenues.

“I am proud to officially proclaim Sept. 2 to 8, 2012 as National Trucking Week in B.C., to recognize B.C. truckers for the important contribution they make to our economy and for the vital role they play in our everyday lives.”

And if you’re stuck for ideas on how to celebrate National Trucking Week, the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) has an exhaustive list over on their website.

Be sure to take some photos of any trucking events you attend. Send them our way and we’ll post them on this website.