New Learning Pathway For Class 1 Drivers Aims To Address Truck Driver Shortage And Road Safety

In a bid to enhance road safety and combat the ongoing commercial driver shortage, Alberta’s government has unveiled a new learning pathway tailored for professional truck drivers. This initiative, dubbed the Made-in-Alberta Learning Pathway, marks a significant milestone in the province’s efforts to revamp Class 1 licensing and training.

Implemented on March 1, 2019, Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) became a prerequisite for Class 1 commercial drivers in Alberta. However, its introduction coincided with a surge in insurance claims among Class 1 drivers, exacerbating the industry’s struggle with recruitment and retention. Recognizing these challenges, stakeholders in the trucking sector called for reforms aimed at improving safety standards and streamlining the training process.

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, emphasized the proactive nature of the new learning pathway, stating, “This is a proactive approach to ensure truck drivers in Alberta have the right training with the right vehicle to perform their jobs professionally and safely.”

The enhancements to Class 1 licensing and training are the culmination of extensive consultations with industry experts. These improvements aim not only to bolster road safety but also to foster continuous professional development among Class 1 drivers.

Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education, underscored the collaborative effort with industry leaders in shaping the new learning pathway, envisioning it as a gateway to rewarding career opportunities in the trucking sector.

Modeled after an apprenticeship-style framework, the learning pathway offers a progressive trajectory for aspiring professional drivers. Trainees will have the opportunity to acquire hands-on experience in the vehicles they will operate daily, culminating in the Red Seal designation.

Doug Paisley, Chair of the Alberta Motor Transport Association, hailed the initiative as a pivotal step toward addressing the province’s commercial transportation needs while ensuring highway safety.

“Getting the right people with the right training behind the wheel is critical to the province’s commercial transportation industry and economy. This new made-in-Alberta learning pathway will help train more drivers while securing safety on the province’s highways,” commented Paisley.

The program also garnered support from national organizations such as the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) and the Insurance Brokers of Canada, who lauded Alberta’s commitment to bolstering training and oversight for Class 1 operators.

“The PMTC is pleased to participate in the Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridor Commercial Driver Shortage Committee. This committee, which is working on a Learning Pathway for Class 1 Drivers, will serve as the foundation towards a professional designation for drivers,” said Marcel Pouliot, western Canada representative, Private Motor Truck Council of Canada.

“Our economy depends on the safe, efficient delivery of goods, and Insurance Bureau of Canada applauds the government for leading the way to support Alberta’s commercial trucking sector. The enhanced focus on training and oversight for Class 1 operators brings the potential to improve road safety, help reduce collisions on our roadways and create new opportunities for drivers to enter this important profession,” noted Tim Morrison, director, Insurance Brokers of Canada.

Recognizing the vital role of women in the transportation sector, Carol Moen, President and CEO of Women Building Futures, expressed pride in facilitating their entry into commercial driving roles.

“Women Building Futures also sees the huge demand in commercial transportation. Alberta needs more safe, qualified commercial drivers to keep our economy moving, and we are proud to help women shift gears into these roles,” said Carol Moen, president and CEO, Women Building Futures.

In a move tailored to accommodate Alberta’s agricultural community, the new learning pathway exempts farmers and their immediate family from pre-license training requirements; however, farmers who are eligible for the new farm restricted Class 1 driver’s licence must still complete a knowledge test, road test and vision screening, and submit a driver medical assessment to demonstrate they can safely drive Class 1 vehicles. This exemption aims to alleviate trucking shortages impacting farms and ranches while preserving the integrity of the agricultural supply chain.

Brodie Haugan, Chair of Alberta Beef Producers, welcomed the farmer exemption as a positive step toward ensuring a robust agricultural sector.

Roger Chevraux, Chair of Alberta Canola, echoed Haugan’s sentiments, emphasizing the exemption’s role in recognizing farmers’ contributions to the provincial economy.

With the program set to commence in March 2025 and the farmer exemption slated for implementation on April 1, stakeholders anticipate a revitalized approach to commercial driver training in Alberta.

Budget 2024 allocates $41 million over three years to establish a commercial driver training grant, supplementing the Driving Back to Work program announced in Budget 2022.

Alberta currently boasts over 149,000 licensed Class 1 drivers, with only 31 per cent employed as truck drivers.

Statistics Canada reports 4,260 commercial truck driver vacancies in Alberta, comprising 20 per cent of Canada’s total vacancies.