All levels of government and the private sector need clear guidance when it comes to determining the services and functions that are essential in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, released a new guidance designed to assist various jurisdictions and businesses in their decision-making around the types of employees considered essential in order to maintain the health, safety, security and economic well-being of Canadians throughout this health crisis.
“CTA appreciates this guidance material and the continued recognition of the hard-working men and women in the trucking industry as an essential part of the nation’s fight against COVID-19,” said Geoff Wood, senior VP, Policy, Canadian Trucking Alliance.
The guidance document provides a list of services and functions across Canada’s 10 critical infrastructure sectors: Energy and Utilities, Information and Communication Technologies, Finance, Health, Food, Water, Transportation, Safety, Government and Manufacturing.
As part of the transportation sector, workers include drivers, dispatchers, maintenance and repair technicians, warehouse workers, truck stop and commercial vehicle inspection station workers, rest area workers, amongst other occupations within trucking and other support sectors that are referenced. A complete list can be found here.
The guidance will support critical infrastructure employers, like those in the trucking industry, in identifying and managing their workforce, while fostering alignment and harmonization across sectors.
“We are extremely proud of all the men and women in our industry who continue to pull for Canada,” said Jonathan Blackham, CTA director, Policy and Public Affairs. “There is no doubt these individuals are essential workers and it has been wonderful to see support for their efforts come in from all levels of government and the public.”
CTA is encouraging Canadians to take part in the national #ThankATrucker social media movement to show their support. To participate please use #ThankATrucker and @Cantruck in your social media posts.