The Manitoba government will move forward with a broad consultation with industry and other affected stakeholders on mandatory entry-level training (MELT) for truck drivers in the province.
“Our government is focused on safety above all else,” Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler said. “Mandatory entry-level training is something the trucking industry has asked for and we want to work in a collaborative way to ensure that Manitoba roadways are as safe as possible.”
In April, Manitoba Infrastructure began consultation in conjunction with Manitoba Education and Training and Manitoba Public Insurance, working with western partners to establish a harmonized foundation on driver training for class one vehicles.
“Mandatory entry-level training is something that would have broad impacts across sectors including transportation, infrastructure and agriculture,” Schuler added. “We want to hear from Manitobans and ensure this proposed change focuses on safety in collaboration with industry.”
As part of the industry consultations, staff from Manitoba Infrastructure will consult and collaborate on training standards, approaches to out-of-province drivers coming to Manitoba and the scope of individuals who will require this training.
The consultation meetings will take place Jan. 7 in Winnipeg and Jan. 10 in Brandon.
