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Log truck hauling a load of wood through Fort Frances, undated. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia News

Area MPP not surprising by report into truck licensing practices

By Randy Thoms Oct 11, 2024 | 10:53 PM

A northwestern Ontario MPP is not surprised about an investigative report that explores the fraudulent licensing of commercial vehicle drivers in Ontario.

Thunder Bay-Superior North’s Lise Vaugeois says the CBC Marketplace episode only reaffirms what many people in northern Ontario have long been suspected.

“Our northern communities, where we have witnessed so many severe trucking accidents and highway closures, have been sounding the alarm about road safety for years,” states Vaugeois. “This investigation affirms what we already know; the safety of our roads is being compromised by the Ford government’s indifference to our communities.”

She points the blame on governments’ decision to privatize driver testing without oversight.

“Doug Ford and his Minister must act immediately to fix this mess. They need to guarantee that all commercial drivers receive legitimate training and licenses and ensure that vehicle inspection stations are adequately staffed with qualified enforcement officers.”