Sign up for our free daily newsletter!

Alberta extends deadline for farm worker truck driving training

Feb 27, 2019 | 10:21 AM

EDMONTON – The Alberta government is extending a deadline for farm workers to get new mandatory truck driver training.

A coalition of the province’s agriculture producers had expressed concerns about the March 1 deadline.

The group said a lot of seasonal work relies on truck drivers and it would be difficult to get them tested in time for this year’s growing season.

The government says it consulted with the agriculture industry and has decided to extend the deadline for farm drivers to March 1 of next year.

“This is extremely good news for farmers,” says, Kevin Serfas, Alberta Canola Vice-Chair. “By accommodating the agriculture industry’s unique needs, we’ve avoided significant challenges that would have hurt our ability to seed this year’s crop. We appreciate the Ministry’s support on this issue.”

Eligible farm workers must apply to Alberta Transportation to get approval for an extension.

Alberta moved to bring in more extensive training for drivers of semi-trucks and commercial buses after the Humboldt Broncos bus crash last April.

(The Canadian Press)