FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (Leduc) The Leduc, Nisku, and Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Driving Our Economy Forward: The Need for More Class 1A Professional Drivers policy was adopted by members of the Canadian Chambers of Commerce (CCC), a network of 450 community Chambers representing more than 200,000 businesses, at its recent Annual General Meeting in Ottawa (October 14, 2022).

“As living costs continue to rise,” said Wayne Di Lallo, Chamber Policy Committee Chair, “we worked directly with local Chamber members to offer some solutions to the tight supply chains that are impacting our economy.”

The commercial trucking industry is a crucial component of Canada’s supply chain, with 90 percent of all consumer goods being shipped by truck, according to Transport Canada, and sixty percent of our US-Canada trade relationship, the second largest in the world, crossing the border on trucks.

“Our members told us finding new drivers is a huge issue,” said Di Lallo. In fact, Canada needs 17,200 new truck drivers every year until 2025 just to keep up with demand. Alberta alone is facing a shortage of more than 3,600 drivers. “We took a policy through the provincial process to the national level,” he continued, “to help recruit new drivers, lower insurance costs, and increase road safety at the same time.”

Recommendations in the policy include classifying Class 1A truck driving as a skilled trade under the National Occupational Classification matrix making it easier for qualified newcomers to Canada to join the ranks of drivers, supporting new drivers through mentoring with more experienced drivers in an effort to reduce insurance costs for new drivers, promoting the industry as a career choice amongst women and better supporting women already in the industry, and including Class 1A driver training in student loans to help students afford living expenses while enrolled in mandatory training. “Our policy proposal was adopted with 98.5 percent support” said Di Lallo, “recognizing the tangible solutions we proposed.”

“Now we have the full force of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce advocating to the Federal government for change,” said Di Lallo, “and this is just one example of how your local Chamber can support you. If you have a concern, we want to hear from you.”

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The Leduc, Nisku, and Wetaskiwin Chamber exists to serve it’s over 1,100 members, strengthen the economic climate of the region, and provide unparalleled networking and promotion opportunities.

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Jessica Roth, Director of Communications
Leduc, Nisku & Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce
780.986.5454 | jroth@yourchamber.ca