The Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety from all provinces and territories agreed to work collaboratively to restart the economy and support transportation systems and supply chains across Canada, with particular emphasis on essential transportation workers.
At their semi-annual meeting held virtually on June 2, 2020, the ministers specifically announced guiding principles for the use of masks and gloves, and other safety protocols for transportation employees and passengers. These guiding principles – which are not to be considered obligations, nor standards – establish a collaborative way forward to support the safe operation of the transportation system, and help mitigate the risk of transmission of COVID‐19.
“Frontline workers across the transportation sector deserve our unwavering support. In the face of unprecedented challenges, they continue to keep people and goods moving in this country. Pilots, air crews, air traffic controllers, port workers, mariners, train crews, truck drivers, and so many others are so very critical for getting supplies to people who need them, and sustaining the Canadian economy,” said the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Marc Garneau. “We are committed to keeping Canada’s transportation workers, and those who rely on our multi-modal transportation system, safe and healthy.”
Added Greg Ottenbreit, Saskatchewan Minister of Highways and Infrastructure: “Canadians pull together when faced with extraordinary challenges. I am inspired by the outstanding cooperation and commitment to safety from the Council of Ministers.”
In addition, the Ministers noted the important efforts of the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) in advancing the Practices for the Use of Masks, Face Coverings and Gloves for Transportation Workers and Passengers in the Road Transportation System. The purpose of this document is to distinguish the different types of masks, face coverings, and other personal protective equipment (PPE), and establish practices with respect to their use as it pertains to drivers, passengers, support workers and all those involved in the following key areas of the road transportation system.
“CTA would like to thank the Government of Canada, Council of Minister Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety and CCMTA for this best practices document, which provides our membership guidance on the use of PPE,” said CTA president Stephen Laskowski. “CTA will continue to work with federal and provincial officials to ensure the safety and security of the supply chain.”
For a full copy of the Minister’s Communiqué and associated materials click here.