Trucking pros congratulate Premier Ford, MPPs

Transportation, Colleges, Justice ministers, Northern NDP members need team approach to safety

UPDATE: This article was updated at 11pm February 28th with comment from the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada, and a new photo.

Newly-elected Premier Doug Ford should waste no time in getting back to work on improving road safety, say Truck training and safety organizations.

“Congratulations to Premier Doug Ford on his third successful election, and to Minister Sarkaria for his victory in Brampton South,” says Philip Fletcher, on behalf of the Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO).

“The TTSAO is optimistic that the Conservative government will continue on the path that it has undertaken to improve transportation in the province to make our roads safer, including the updating of training standards for commercial drivers.  We were encouraged by Minister Sarkaria’s May 13, 2024 commitment to review Ontario’s Truck training curriculum and are prepared to continue our work with the team at Transportation to expedite this process without delay when the new government is sworn in.

“We encourage the Minister of Transportation in the new government to work closely with both the Minister of Colleges and Training and the Minister of Justice.  Only by working together will they be able to ensure the comprehensive system of training, driving and enforcement needed to ensure that commercial trainers and operators are in compliance with Ontario’s important safety regulations. TTSAO stands by ready to support the new government in these initiatives.”

Truckers for Safer Highways is optimistic that Ontario’s new Conservative government and NDP official opposition will productively together after yesterday’s election.

“We are thrilled to see that many of our supportive MPPs have been re-elected and will be returning to Queen’s Park,” Travis McDougall of Truckers for Safer Highways (TFSH) told Road Warrior news in an email.

“Their continued presence is critical to ensuring that all of Ontario has a strong voice advocating for safer highways and a stronger trucking industry. While we celebrate this victory, we are also reminded of the urgent work that lies ahead. Our resolve remains unwavering, and we are more determined than ever to drive meaningful change in the trucking industry to protect lives on our roads.

“Tragically, people continue to lose their lives on our highways, and this is unacceptable,” notes McDougall, who has worked actively for several years to call attention to the need for Trucking education and enforcement.

McDougall notes that TFSH is “incredibly encouraged by the re-election of John Vanthof, Lise Vaugeois, and Guy Bourgouin in Northern Ontario. Their unwavering support and outspoken advocacy for highway safety have been instrumental in our ongoing efforts. Their leadership gives us hope that real progress is within reach.”

The Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada (WTFC) expressed congratulations and appreciation for the Ford government’s efforts in supporting the trucking industry over the past two terms.

“As the CEO of the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada, I am excited to continue our collaboration with Premier Doug Ford and his government. Their support over the past two terms has been instrumental in advancing our industry, and I look forward to working together to further improve our sector, strengthen the supply chain, and enhance road safety,” said Shelley Walker. 

“WTFC is looking forward to continuing collaboration with the Ford government to further improve the sector, strengthen the supply chain, and enhance road safety.”