The Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) has voiced its opposition to a decision by the providence of Alberta, Canada, to exclude new Canadian hours-of-service rules scheduled to go into effect in Canada in 2007, according to AMTA information.
AMTA argues that the decision to isolate Alberta from the regulations places carriers operating inside and into Alberta of having to deal with two different sets of rules.
"The 15 year consultative process to develop the new rules was long and arduous and involved industry, labor, government, scientific experts, and enforcement," said Mayne Root, AMTA executive director. "Our industry involvement included a wide variety of transportation businesses, large and small, local, regional, and national. Everyone was well aware of the difficulties involved in developing a set of standards and regulations that best fit all aspects and sectors of the highway transportation industry, but they were also aware of the need to address existing standards and practices that are adversely affecting drivers, their families, and safety on the highways. These standards and practices have also had a huge detrimental effect on the attrition of drivers from the industry and the ability to attract new people to this occupation, which is vital to the economic well-being of our province and nation."
The new rules are scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2007. According to AMTA information, the province agency wants "more consultation required before any changes to provincial hours-of-service rules for truckers."