East Coast Truckers Targeting Industry Labour Issues

DIEPPE, NB — The Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association (APTA) announced today that it is in the process of developing a plan to tackle not only the shortage of qualified drivers, but industry issues around training and retention.

“The trucking industry in Atlantic Canada is facing a massive driver shortage,” said Jean-Marc Picard, executive director of the APTA. “Having the proper framework in place to attract and recruit qualified employees, and harmonize training requirements to support the industry is a priority. This project will help address some issues regarding the recruitment and retention of professional trucks drivers, along with other challenges the industry is currently facing.”

The objective of the plan, explained the APTA, “is to have an effective program available for career counselors, training schools, government personnel, carriers and the industry that will support the trucking industry’s labour needs.”

The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), has approved a contribution of $37,500 to support the plan, APTA noted.

“This initiative is a first of its kind for our industry,” Picard said. “We trust that it will create some structure and have a positive impact to our driver shortage. This will also increase the level of professionalism in the trucking industry, raise awareness of professional driving careers, and make it accessible for young people to enter our industry.”

According to the APTA, 90 percent of goods consumed in Atlantic Canada are moved by truck. There are 4,000 trucking companies based in Atlantic Canada, with 25,000 jobs directly related to the trucking industry.