Alberta Targets Fraud in Trucking Industry

The Alberta government is intensifying efforts to address unsafe practices in the commercial trucking sector. Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen announced that recent investigations have revealed significant issues, including what he described as "fraudulent behaviour" among some driver training schools and trucking companies.

In a statement made on Friday, Dreeshen detailed the outcomes of a six-month initiative that involved thorough inspections and audits. He noted that the government has closed five trucking schools and revoked the licenses of 13 trucking companies operating in the province. "Our department has actually had five trucking schools close, we’ve actually cancelled their licenses to be able to operate, and we’ve also cancelled 13 truck carriers, so trucking companies in the province," he said.

The crackdown also includes a range of additional measures. Authorities issued 39 disciplinary letters and imposed over $100,000 in administrative penalties. Furthermore, six corrective action plans were mandated, and 12 instructor licenses were revoked. Four warnings were also issued to driver examiners as part of the enforcement actions.

These investigations were carried out by the Driver Training and Oversight Unit, which focused on addressing complaints and conducting audits to identify problematic entities within Alberta's trucking industry. The government aims to enhance safety standards and ensure compliance among training schools and trucking companies.