Minister of Education and Training Kelvin Goertzen says the province has introduced these updated recruitment requirements to ensure safety for all Manitobans while protecting the integrity of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.
"We have as a province, brought in Mandatory Entry Level Training, often times called MELT. More training for truck drivers and that applies for everybody. We then are as a department for immigration doing some work to ensure that there is more rigor in ensuring that the qualifications that those who are coming from other countries have the experience that they are saying they have and the documentation that backs up that experience is all valid."
Goertzen says this is a topic that has been on the minds of many Manitobans as of late.
"Obviously since the tragedy with the Humboldt Broncos there has been more tension, and I think rightfully so, placed on training for long-distance and other truck drivers. We know the vast majority of our truck drivers are professional and well trained and do a great job but there are sometimes challenges, particularly for those who are new Canadians who are coming to our country and are maybe taking on truck driving as an occupation."
As of September 11, 2019, Goertzen says the province has temporarily suspended recruitment for 22 smaller Manitoba trucking companies.
"We are doing more examination on them to ensure that they are recruiting in the right way and that those who they are recruiting have the qualifications to become truck drivers and they are being presented in the right way and to qualify through the provincial nominee program."
Goertzen says he expects the larger trucking companies that exist in Steinbach and the surrounding area will welcome these new regulations as they should help strengthen the reputation of the whole industry. He adds all of these updated recruitment guidelines can be found on the immigrate Manitoba website.
Thu, May 2, 8:30 AM
Transport, Permanent
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