By Minister Caroline Mulroney
As we mark National Trucking Week 2022, I am pleased to have the opportunity to express my thanks to the trucking industry and appreciation to the Ontario Trucking Association for their continued partnership.
The past two years have been especially challenging for truck drivers and their families. Despite the added stress of working on the road during the COVID-19 pandemic, the trucking community has not wavered from its commitment and service to the people of Ontario. The thousands of men and women we count on to deliver essential supplies, food, equipment, and other goods are everyday heroes who help keep our economy open. Our government proudly stands behind Ontario’s truck drivers.
We remain committed to listening to them and industry associations as we respond to the issues they face. We value the leadership of the Ontario Trucking Association in advancing the business priorities of Ontario’s trucking industry while supporting our shared goal of safety on our roads. Ontario Trucking Association has been a key partner in support of several initiatives, including the implementation of Ontario’s Electronic Logging Device mandate, the modernization of our safety and emissions inspection programs, the implementation and enhancement of Mandatory Entry-Level Training for commercial drivers, as well as efforts to expand and improve Ontario’s Long Combination Vehicle Program.
In addition, the Ontario Trucking Association informed various provincial measures to support the industry in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our government is also committed to building the highways and road infrastructure needed to fight gridlock and support the trucking industry in getting goods to market. We are investing a historic $86.6 billion over the next 10 years to build and expand roads, highways, and transit infrastructure across Ontario, including Highway 413 and the Bradford Bypass.
On behalf of the Government, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all Ontario truck drivers and the Ontario Trucking Association for your hard work to keep essential supplies and goods moving.