Elliot, Mulroney Call Drivers ‘Heroes’ and Affirm Government’s Unwavering Commitment to Trucking
In a statement today Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation championed the trucking industry and its drivers and also took proactive stance of installing portable washrooms at 32 truck inspection stations so truck drivers have a place to stop and rest safely.
Access to bathrooms, food and the need for the supply chain to treat all truck drivers with respect has become a national issue. The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) and other stakeholders have been working with Minister Mulroney to discuss solutions to this problem.
“Minister Mulroney is a true leader. The Minister saw a problem and implemented a solution that will no doubt serve as a model for all states and provinces across North America. That’s leadership. Our industry is extremely fortunate to have Minister Mulroney in this time of crisis,” said Stephen Laskowski, President, OTA. “On behalf of the thousands of truck drivers that will benefit from this action, thank you Minister Mulroney.”
In the statement the two ministers also reaffirmed the Ontario government’s extraordinary commitment to the trucking sector by issuing a statement urging the supply chain to treat drivers with the respect and dignity they deserve.
“The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is extremely thankful to Deputy Premier Elliot and Minister Mulroney for recognizing our drivers as the true heroes they are and encouraging everyone in the supply chain to do their part in treating drivers with respect,” said OTA President Stephen Laskowski. “Today’s announcement is just one example of their ongoing commitment to our sector and truck drivers in particular.
The Ford Government has always recognized the importance of our industry and today’s announcement affirms their commitment to the hard-working men and women in the trucking industry,” added Laskowski.
OTA has been promoting the Canadian Trucking Alliance’s #ThankaTrucker campaign and encourages all shippers and receivers to track the hashtag on social media to see best practices for the treatment of drivers.
Statement by Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation:
TORONTO – Today, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation issued the following statement on supporting truck drivers during the COVID-19 outbreak:
“In these extraordinary times, we have extraordinary heroes. Our truck drivers are these heroes. They are working long hours, day and night delivering food and equipment and other essential supplies for Ontario families.
Our truck drivers deserve our respect, our support, our thanks and our best efforts to help them as they continue to make sure we can put food on our tables and pick up other necessary items.
We have heard from those working within the trucking industry of the treatment that truck drivers have faced while travelling on our roads. In response, we are calling on all business owners to support truck drivers when they are stopping to rest, get gas or use washrooms.
This will better keep our truck drivers safe and healthy and on the road.
We expect businesses who rely on truck drivers to provide necessary facilities for these heroes. We need everyone to do their part to make sure drivers can keep doing their jobs safely.
As a government we are working closely with truck drivers and associations to respond to the issues they face on the road.
We are providing more safe places for truck drivers to stop and rest across the province and are keeping all 23 ONroute travel plazas open for take-out, grab and go and drive-through services, including washrooms with enhanced cleaning. We are also providing portable washrooms at 32 truck inspection stations so trucks have a place to stop and rest safely.
These actions build on measures announced last month that allow the 24-hour delivery of goods without the restrictions of municipal noise by-laws, and the extension of the validation of driver’s licences, Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration certificates and other products that expired on or after March 1, 2020.
Ontario is committed to supporting the trucking industry and we would like to thank commercial carriers and truck drivers for everything that they’ve done to keep goods moving during the COVID-19 outbreak.”