< Previous12 // www.womendrivingchangemagazine.ca importance of, implementing a standard- ized MELT program for professional drivers entering the field. Fast forward five years, and there are still three jurisdictions that do not have a standardized MELT program in place; meanwhile, there are inconsistencies with the training hours, instructor qualifi- cations, and program curriculum through- out other provincial MELT programs. If we want to have a national training program, we need to ensure that all juris- dictions embrace and enforce a nation- al standard that is consistent across the country. This includes proper auditing and ensuring that schools / instructors are operating within compliance of the pro- gram requirements. one jurisdiction to another, we need to remove regulatory barriers, address inconsistencies, and be unified with long-term, permanent solutions when it comes to Mandatory Entry-Level Train- ing (MELT), electronic logging devices (ELDs), permits, allowances, and more. In preparation for this meeting, the PMTC has consulted with its Board of Directors and membership to create the following list of discussion points for consideration: Inconsistencies with Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) In 2020, jurisdictions across Can- ada committed to, and celebrated the he Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) and its mem- bers are calling for a nationwide change to key issues that negative- ly impact the transportation industry. These matters aren’t new; how- ever, our latest invitation to address them is – and more pertinent than ever. Transport Canada has invited us, along with other advocates and stake- holders, to connect with Deputy Min- isters of Transportation across the country and discuss ways to reduce trade barriers within the trucking industry. In order to move freight from SOLUTIONS A nationwide call for change Mike Millian ONLINE: https://www.pmtc.ca FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Private-Motor- Truck-Council-of-Canada-1561523780752504 X: https://x.com/privatefleets INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ pmtcylg/?hl=en LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/private- motor-truck-council-of-canada/about YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/PMTCvideos DIGITAL CONNECTIONS PRIVATE MOTOR TRUCK COUNCIL OF CANADA – BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2025/2026 TERM) OFFICERS (ALSO PRINCIPLE MEMBERS) Past Chairperson Steve Lawn Parkland Corporation Chairperson Leanne Quail CPC Logistics Canada 1 st Vice-Chairperson Angela Munsterman Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Ltd. 2 nd Vice-Chairperson Jason Libralesso Home Hardware Stores Ltd. DIRECTORS PRINCIPLE MEMBERS Patricia Burke Canadian Blood Services Phil Camp Paccar Leasing Company Kevin Carlyle Penske Transportation Solutions Gerald Carroll Wesbell Logistics Jim Dimech Linde Canada Chris Henry Trailcon Dave Hewlett Loblaw Transport Mike Iasparro Canadian Tire Kevin Jennings GFL Environmental James Johnstone Giant Tiger Keith Lamb 4 Refuel David Marvin Tandet Terry Maw Rush Truck Leasing Andy Walker Molson Coors ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Scott Creighton Northbridge Insurance Kelly Henderson THRSCA Sudhanshu Malhotra Intact Public Entities Kim Richardson Transrep Inc. Matt Richardson KRTS Michelle Roberts IHSA Donald Williams Aviva Canada STAFF President, Private Motor Truck Council of Canada Mike Millian EA & Member Services Coordinator Annette Kieft Western Canada Business Manager Marcel Pouliot TWomen Driving Change Magazine // 13 Fragmented carrier safety ratings Due to the accessibility and inconsistent auditing efforts of jurisdictions, there are unsafe, non-compliant carriers that are successfully bypassing enforcement and operating throughout the country. With multiple National Safety Code numbers behind their operation, these carriers have the capacity to go ‘jurisdiction shopping’ and operate ‘under the radar’ of enforce- ment. This problem, alone, erodes trust amongst carriers, shippers, and the indus- try as a whole, and makes our roads unsafe. Rather than approaching this problem individually, province-to-province, we should create a national NSC database that records, scores, and posts carrier records across the country in one central location – creating a consistent, reputable, transpar- ent, and fair reporting system throughout the industry. Rest areas We need to have more rest stops available to the public. There are stretches of rural and northern areas where a driver can travel 200-plus kilometres and not find a place to rest. This plays a significant role in driver safety and fatigue management because without having access to a proper rest stop, let alone a place to pull over and park, a driv- er is at risk of getting injured or being in an incident – both on and off the road. There should be a standard where a rest stop is available every 80-plus kilometres on major trade routes. At the minimum, we need to work together to ensure that our main Trans-Canada Highway has publicly available parking spaces, placed at a regu- lar frequency, to support the needs of driv- ers and overall fleet management. Road infrastructure and maintenance standards Currently, road clearing standards are determined by each province and territory. How our roads are rated – determining how often and quickly they are cleared – is based on the levels of traffic, not trade. So, if a part of the Trans-Canada Highway – the only route that connects our coun- try coast-to-coast – doesn’t see as much traffic as Highway 401 in Toronto, it won’t be cleared as quickly. We need to priori- tize clearing standards for main highways, including the Trans-Canada Highway, that are vital for trade. Another point is the lane markings on every highway in the country. If you trav- el from one province to another, let alone one municipality to another, you’ll see that the type of paint used for lane markings is drastically different – and in some cases, doesn’t visually withstand rain, sleet, and snow. This may sound like a small detail; however, if you’re travelling into an area you’re unfamiliar with, this can quickly escalate into a big problem. Oversize / overweight permits In September 2024, a pilot program was launched to mutually recognize regulatory requirements throughout the trucking sec- tor – specifically when it comes to permit applications for wide loads across Cana- da. This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), shared among the participating jurisdictions, was a promising start towards removing trade barriers and enhancing the movement of goods across Canada; how- ever, not all jurisdictions have signed on. Without complete harmonization across the country, trade barriers still exist. In the long-term, we want to go beyond signing a MOU (a short-term, ‘band-aid’ solution). We want all provinces and ter- ritories to create a permanent permit application process as well as harmonized regulations that are recognized across all jurisdictions. Weight allowances In addition to the previous point, there is an MOU on weight allowance for each jurisdiction that has been agreed upon; however, there are still major variances in weight and axle configurations from one jurisdiction to another. We recommend that each province and territory expand the number of vehicle configurations included in the MOU so travel province-to-province will incur lower costs, with removed barriers. ELD mandate Since 2023, the electronic logging device mandate has been enforced and requires all federally regulated commercial drivers to use ELDs to track their hours of service; however, three provinces continue to not enforce it for provincially regulated carriers. This disconnect creates disparities among drivers and carriers, and results in issues with driver safety and fatigue management. We’re advocating for national harmo- nization of this mandate with the support of data-sharing protocols for regulators to track, analyze, and report on ELD usage and violations. Labour mobility and credential recognition Our industry deals with inconsis- tencies with education and training, certifications, and safety credentials across all jurisdictions: an issue that is a direct hinderance with attracting, let alone retaining, drivers. The PMTC is advocating for a nation- al framework of standardized educa- tion and training, provided by approved educational institutions and instructors. Whether this framework is Red Seal Cer- tification (or something similar), there needs to be a system in place where edu- cation and training programs are recog- nized, recorded, and presentable via a portable passport system. Temporary Foreign Worker Programs and immigration fraud Unfortunately, when it comes to hiring immigrants, we have seen rampant abuse of the Federal Government’s Temporary Foreign Work Program (TFWP), and by extension immigration fraud, through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Jurisdictions across the country need to be aligned on this matter and create a system that supports and protects for- eign workers entering our industry. For example, the Province of Nova Scotia has partnered with the Trucking Human Resource Sector Council (THRSC) Atlantic to run a program that vets and approves carriers that wish to access the Foreign Worker Program. Approved carriers are compliant with labour laws; they have systems in place to support training / mentoring; and they abide to safety rules and regulations. While the program is not mandatory, carriers who participate in the program are placed at the front of the line to access the program and workers. We would like to see all other jurisdic- tions adopt and implement this program into their operations, and ideally make it mandatory for participation in the TFWP. Next steps Our meeting with Transport Canada and the Deputy Ministers took place on July 15, 2025, and we were honoured to have a seat at this table. Having the opportunity to connect with all jurisdic- tions at the same time, in the same room, will hopefully align our wishes with their actions to remove trade barriers and cre- ate harmony in our industry. A huge thank you to our Board of Directors and members for your valuable input in putting these points together. We look forward to sharing the outcomes of this meeting, and what the future holds for our industry. Women Driving Change Magazine // 15 THE FUTURE revision of MELT to address the specif- ic needs as seen by those participants. This formed the basis of the advocacy needed by members, stakeholders, and the public. The main changes we addressed were in various stages. For instance, it is allowable to train in different vehicle configurations than what you can take to the test centre; the easier choice being at the test centre. We also addressed the number of hours in training behind the wheel. We asked the Ministry to increase the number from 32 to 50, and include more highway time, and ensure night driving hours. These hours would also include a weighted trailer to mimic a load. The group also looked at adding a pre-trip inspection component, so that graduates could be better prepared for a job. Current MELT standards do not prepare for a road test with an employer. Other corrections were to help with hours of service, load securement, and increasing total hours to 145. We are looking to bring better training to the industry to save lives, create safer roads and create com- petent drivers. As an organization, through its members, we are constant- ly striving to be excellent. Thank you to all for your hard work in making the TTSAO the asso- ciation it is today! he Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO) was constituted in 1993 by a number of school operators who decided that simply compet- ing against one another did not elevate and produce the desired outcome for their students. Instead, they collectively put the rivalries behind them and cre- ated an association that would strive for excellence in training outcomes. This new association was the first of its kind in Canada and set the bar for training new entrants to the trans- portation industry in a manner that has lasted for over three decades. Among a crowded segment of the industry today, the same individual concepts are still paramount for the aims and outcomes of its members. Today, a new challenge has arrived for the association and those stake- holders that benefit and contribute to forming the skills, knowledge, and compliance of the new entrants to transportation. The Ministry of Trans- portation in Ontario is undertaking a revamp of Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT). TTSAO realized that the cracks and holes in Mandatory Entry Level Training had to be addressed. So, the association brought together a wide range of stakeholders to put forward a Providing the trucking industry with the highest quality driver training programs for entry- level individuals T BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ken Adams Chairman of the Board Crossroads, Ottawa Lesley de Repentigny Vice Chairman Drivewise/Knowledge Surge Yvette Lagrois Past Chairperson Ontario Truck Training Academy Sean Essner Modern Training Ontario Jack Lochand Alpine Truck Driver Training Raj Walia Trukademy/ NorDrux Ray St. Jean Northstar Truck Driving School Shane Cutler Cutler TCMS, Director of Communication and Public Relations Paul Beard Chairperson, TTSAO Insurance Group Jeff Mckay Transport Driver Training Inc Maria Botelho M-O, Chairperson, TTSAO Carrier Group CONTRACTED ASSOCIATES Clarissa Maristela and Sara Fitchett Quest Consulting National Phil Fletcher President, TTSAO Written by Phil Fletcher, President16 // www.womendrivingchangemagazine.ca Meet the 2025 Instructor of the Year recipient, Rachelle Larche, on page 34! It’s Almost Time to Nominate Your 2026 Instructor of the Year! The TTSAO Truck Driver Instructor of the Year Award celebrates excellence in the trucking education industry by recognizing an instructor who has demonstrated extraordinary dedication, skill, and impact in the field of truck driver training. This prestigious honour acknowledges individuals who exemplify the highest professional and personal standards, making a meaningful difference in their students’ lives and the broader community. The nomination process will begin later this year. Visit https://ttsao.com/tenstreet-ttsao-instructor-of-the-year-award/ for award criteria and to stay up to date on important deadlines. Program Highlights: Introducing TTSAO’s New Fuel Discount Program! The Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO) is excited to announce a new Fuel Discount Program in partnership with NOMAD – a cost-saving initiative designed specifically for our member schools. • Exclusive Diesel Discounts: Save 9 to 15 cents per litre on diesel fuel through participating ESSO and Pipeline stations; both cardlock and pump locations. • Proven Industry Partner: NOMAD currently works with over 400 carriers across Canada, bringing significant fuel cost advantages to the transportation sector. • Smart Fuel Management: Access unique software applications that help you track fuel use and savings right from the front end of your system. • Easy Onboarding: This program is new to TTSAO but built on NOMAD’s extensive industry experience and existing infrastructure. This program offers an immediate way to reduce operating costs at your school while gaining better control and visibility into your fuel expenditures. Contact Philip Fletcher, philip@ttsao.com, for more details!18 // www.womendrivingchangemagazine.ca promoting trucking to women and thought maybe we could do something similar here.” With support from the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, the STA began developing the curriculum and sought out a delivery partner with experience in trades-focused training for women. The YWCA Saskatoon already runs a successful program called Trade Journeys that helps get women into dif- ferent kinds of trades, so this new offer- ing seemed like a natural fit. Responding to industry needs The idea for the program emerged from talks between the STA and the Government of Saskatchewan in 2018 and 2019. The conversations focused on workforce development and the persistent shortage of commercial drivers. “We recognized there were few women in the industry,” said Susan Ewart, Executive Director of the Sas- katchewan Trucking Association. “We saw other provinces with initiatives n initiative in Saskatch- ewan is changing the narrative of truck- ing. Women Shifting Gears, a collaborative program led by YWCA Saskatoon and the Saskatch- ewan Trucking Association (STA), is open- ing doors for women who want to build a career in trucking. With its next intake scheduled for fall 2025, the program equips participants with the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed in one of Canada’s most in-demand, yet traditionally male-dominated, sectors. Launched in 2020, Women Shifting Gears has already supported nearly 40 women across six cohorts. And it’s doing more than preparing women to drive trucks – it’s helping them take the wheel in their lives. FEATURE By Kaitlin Vitt, Staff Writer From training to triumph Shifting gears in Saskatchewan: AWomen Driving Change Magazine // 19 Women Shifting Gears could support even more women, faster and further. “It would be amazing if we could part- ner with a driver training school exclu- sively,” Ewart said. “That way, we could get the ladies all the way through the process before they even go to an employer.” Powerful partnerships Behind the success of Women Shifting Gears is a dedicated network of support- ers. YWCA Saskatoon delivers the pro- gram with direct funding from the pro- vincial government. The STA continues to lead industry engagement, curriculum development, and advocacy. SGI provides MELT training seats and guidance around licensing requirements. “We’re really on target to keep grow- ing the program,” Fogarty said. “It keeps getting tighter and tighter, and we’ve seen amazing successes.” Industry partners including Manitou- lin, Northern Resource Trucking, Prairie Crane, Aero Delivery, and Q-Line Trucking have supported participants by offering mentorship, equipment access, and job placements. The program also offers long-term support to graduates. “They call to ask advice or just share thoughts,” Fogarty said. “Sometimes they need help finding their next opportuni- ty or navigating industry questions, and we’re here for that.” Driving toward change In a 2020 press release announcing the program’s launch, then-Minister of Immi- gration and Career Training Jeremy Har- rison said: “Transport truck drivers are an in-demand occupation in Saskatchewan, and an added bonus to this program is that it will help diversify our labour force.” Five years later, that vision is becoming reality. Fogarty sees it every day. “When participants of Women Shift- ing Gears get behind the simulator for the first time or back up a trailer in the yard, it’s a moment,” she said. “You can see it. They believe they can do this.” For many women, Women Shift- ing Gears is more than a training pro- gram. It’s a gateway to independence, a path to a new career, and a powerful reminder that there’s room for them in the driver’s seat. To stay up to date on when applications open for the next intake, visit https://www. ywcasaskatoon.com/employment-learn- ing/women-shifting-gears. Saskatchewan gain skills, build confi- dence, and start careers in trucking. “We’re proud of the work happen- ing to promote women in the industry,” Ewart said. “It’s slowly working.” A big part of the program’s success lies in its ability to challenge misconcep- tions about the industry. Many women assume trucking means long hours away from home, poor working conditions, or unsafe environments. While those concerns can be valid, the STA and its partners are working hard to change the culture and make the industry more accessible and inclusive. “There are companies out there who truly value safety and mentorship,” Ewart said. Joanne Fogarty, former Director of Employment and Learning at YWCA Sas- katoon, agrees that education and sup- port are key to breaking down barriers. “We hope the women who take part in the program leave with confidence, industry knowledge, good mentoring relationships, and more passion for the industry itself,” she said. “We’re break- ing down stereotypes and creating understanding about what the industry can be for them.” Supporting the next steps Graduates have gone on to secure employment with carriers like Aero Delivery, which hired a participant and supported her through her full 1A licens- ing, and Q-Line Trucking, one of the pro- gram’s early supporters. The cost of completing the full MELT training and road test can be a barrier, especially since Saskatchewan’s job grant, which helped employers cover these costs, was discontinued. As a result, some women work for carriers in non-driving roles or with a Class 3 licence while they continue working toward full qualifica- tion. “We would love private funding from industry to support scholarships or the full 1A component,” Fogarty noted. “Right now, we’re looking for funding.” Still, the STA and YWCA are unde- terred. “We’ve brought in subject matter experts, expanded employer partnerships, and continued improving the curricu- lum,” Ewart said. “The program is stron- ger every year.” Both Ewart and Fogarty believe this model could – and should – be expanded. With more funding and industry buy-in, Together, the partners built a compre- hensive pre-employment training model designed to meet industry needs and address barriers that keep women from entering the field. Ewart, who has championed women in trades throughout her career, emphasized the broader significance of programs like this. “I’ve always been an advocate for women in non-traditional roles,” Ewart said. “We belong in those places. We have value.” She also noted the many qualities women drivers often have that benefit carriers. “Women are easier on the equipment,” Ewart said. “We’re not as risky. We’re safe- ty conscious.” Building a pathway Women Shifting Gears is delivered in two distinct but interconnected phases. The first phase spans 12 weeks and focus- es on building job readiness, industry knowledge, and technical competence. Participants receive instruction in con- fidence building, workplace wellness, and safety, while also gaining exposure to hands-on learning like simulator-based driver training, workplace tours, and in- yard practice. Participants also complete SGI’s Man- datory Entry-Level Training (MELT) class- room component and are introduced to various facets of the trucking sector. A clean Class 5 driver’s abstract, a negative drug and alcohol test, and a clear commit- ment to the industry are required to join. Candidates go through an application process that screens for their interest in trucking or related fields like logistics. Good candidates are those who enjoy driving, are interested in long-distance or short-haul driving, and are motivated to work in the industry. Phase two involves a three-week job shadow placement with a local employ- er. This experience provides a real-world glimpse into the life of a truck driver and helps women determine the best fit for their long-term goals, such as working in long-haul, short-haul, logistics, or other areas of the transportation sector. “It’s an employer-driven program,” said Ewart. “We want employers to recog- nize the value and hire women for work placements – and ideally keep them on permanently.” Proven success Since its launch, Women Shift- ing Gears has helped women across Next >