{"id":2828,"date":"2020-03-26T18:34:43","date_gmt":"2020-03-26T18:34:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cantruck.ca\/covid-19-daily-bulletins-march-26\/"},"modified":"2025-01-10T16:45:56","modified_gmt":"2025-01-10T16:45:56","slug":"covid-19-daily-bulletins-march-26","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cantruck.ca\/fr\/covid-19-daily-bulletins-march-26\/","title":{"rendered":"COVID-19 Daily Bulletins: March 26"},"content":{"rendered":"

Blue Water Bridge Going Cashless<\/strong><\/p>\n

OTA was contacted by the Federal\u00a0Bridge\u00a0Corporation representing the Blue Water Bridge (BWB) crossing in Ontario, regarding changes the bridge will be implementing involving the temporary removal of cash collection processes for trucks moving northbound on Thursday. BWB will be implementing the same cashless policy for southbound trucks starting on Saturday.<\/p>\n

The removal of cash collection is due to COVID-19 concerns\u00a0and reduced access to banking services. BWB has stated that credit and debit card transactions will still be permitted, along with continued payment via commercial account card holders. BWB officials have indicated that cash transactions make up roughly 15% of the transactions completed at the\u00a0bridge\u00a0and have been in steady decline in the past few years.<\/p>\n

BWB officials in tandem with the Michigan Department of Transportation have prepared communications on the changes here:\u00a0https:\/\/content.govdelivery.com\/accounts\/MIDOT\/bulletins\/2834ccb<\/a><\/p>\n

OTA is unsure at this time whether similar measures will be taken at other ports of entry moving forward.<\/p>\n

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FMCSA Enforcement Guidance on Expired Licences Acknowledges Canadian Extensions<\/strong><\/p>\n

On March 24, FMCSA issued Enforcement guidance with respect to expiring drivers licences and other credentials that have been affected by the COVID-19 situation.<\/p>\n

Specifically the notice states, \u201cThis Notice of Enforcement Policy, effective from March 24, 2020 to June 30, 2020, provides needed relief from specified FMCSRs for CLP holders, CDL holders, and non-CDL drivers\u00a0and motor carriers using those drivers.\u00a0 This Notice of Enforcement Policy applies to all CLP holders, CDL holders, and non-CDL drivers whose license was issued for less than the maximum period established by 49 CFR 383.25 and 383.73 and was valid on February 29, 2020 and expired on or after March 1, 2020.\u201d<\/p>\n

Of important note for Canadian trucking operations is that the issue of expired licences and credentials issued by Canadian jurisdictions is also\u00a0specifically mentioned (see below)<\/p>\n

In accordance with 49 CFR 383.23(a)(1) and 391.41(a)(1)(i), FMCSA also continues to recognize the validity of commercial driver\u2019s licenses issued by Canadian Provinces and Territories and Licencias Federales de Conductor issued by the United Mexican States, in accordance with 49 CFR part 383, when such jurisdictions issue a similar notice or declaration extending the validity date of the medical examination and certification<\/em>\u00a0and\/orvalidity of the corresponding commercial driver\u2019s license due to interruption to government service resulting from COVID-19.<\/em><\/p>\n

Full details of the FMCSA\u2019s notice is below:<\/em><\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.fmcsa.dot.gov\/emergency\/enforcement-notice-expiring-cdls-32420<\/a><\/p>\n

CTA members are also encouraged review ongoing updates provided by the\u00a0CCMTA who has been working with provinces and territories to provide an updated list with respect to credentialing extensions amongst Canadian jurisdictions. The most up to date information will be maintained on CCMTA\u2019s website and updated daily at 4 pm. Please click here for details\u00a0https:\/\/www.ccmta.ca\/en\/<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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CTA Confirms Passport Renewals Will Continue for Truck Drivers<\/b><\/p>\n

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, urgent processing will continue for truckers who need their passport renewed.<\/p>\n

All passport applicants residing in Canada requiring urgent service are directed to fill out an online service request (e-form<\/a>) or call the Service Canada Passport Call Centre at 1-800-567-6868.<\/p>\n

The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) has confirmed that due to their critical role in the national supply chain, truck drivers are eligible for this urgent service should it be needed.<\/p>\n

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CTA: Further Review of Federal Fiscal Announcements<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Yesterday, the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance announced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This will provide $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to Canadians who are not receiving a paycheque due to COVID-19. To make it simpler for people applying , they have combined two measures previously announced (the Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit) \u2013 the CERB means Canadian workers, entrepreneurs small business owners will also have some support. The Application Portal will be launched in early April. This benefit applies to employees, entrepreneurs, small business owners \u2013 and\u00a0will apply to those that have\u00a0<\/strong>lost their job, or are not being paid because they have to stay home to self-isolate, to watch kids because of school closures, or to care for someone who is sick. To learn more about the benefit, please read the\u00a0News Release<\/a>.<\/p>\n

OTHER SUPPORT MEASURES ANNOUNCED TO DATE:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n