Fletcher Talks EOBRS, Infrastructure, and Driver Shortage with CTA

OTTAWA — Minister of State for Transport Steven Fletcher dropped by the Canadian Trucking Alliance’s (CTA) annual spring retreat to talk highway infrastructure, EOBRs, and reducing the “regulatory burden” on the industry.

Fletcher has been traveling across Canada meeting trucking industry representatives to learn more about the business issues they face.

Fletcher, reported the CTA, said Transport Canada has a limited role in regulating trucking, but at the same time it is responsible for a number of issues affecting the industry, including hours of service and environmental regulations and ensuring that trucking safety rules remain consistent across the country.

“Your industry is a critical link in the supply chain that moves goods from producers and suppliers to markets. Without it our domestic transportation system, our trade with the U.S. and the entire Canadian economy would look about as good as the chances of the Phoenix Coyotes winning their division this year,” the Winnipeg Jets fan told carrier owners and managers.

Addressing border issues, Fletcher pointed to the federal government’s recent funding announcements for various Canada-U.S. land crossings as part of the Beyond the Border Action Plan. That funding, Fletcher said, will increase capacity for commercial traffic, reduce border wait times and strengthen security.

“But crossing the border is just part of the journey. You also need good roads to get the goods there,” Fletcher noted, adding that CTA’s infrastructure wish list has been helpful in prioritizing projects.

Fletcher said that he and Transport Minister Denis Lebel are meeting with trucking industry stakeholders to guide development of a future long-term strategy under the Building Canada Plan.

Transport Canada is working with the provinces and territories on Safety Rating Reciprocity and to establish National Safety Code standards, Fletcher explained. Based on the meetings with trucking associations across the country, Fletcher said he understands the importance of such issues as roll stability control, indemnification clauses in freight contracts, and EOBR legislation.

The CTA said that in response to a question of whether he will include a recommendation to adopt an EOBR mandate, “Fletcher fell short of making a commitment, indicating there are still issues to be ironed out.”

He did, however, say that it seems like a “no-brainer” as a way to improve highway safety and level the competitive playing field.

The driver shortage was also addressed by Fletcher, something he sees as a major problem particularly “in the fast-growing Western provinces.”

Fletcher wrapped up by highlighted his government’s “commitment to streamlining regulations and reducing the regulatory burden on Canadian businesses,” and harmonizing rules across Canada and with the U.S. for the trucking industry.

“The goal is clear but getting there, as you know, can be more difficult.”