Group unveils cannabis course

The Nova Scotia Trucking Safety Association (NSTSA) has unveiled a new online course covering cannabis and workplace safety, as employers prepare for the legalization of recreational marijuana. The content covers issues including impairment, duty to accommodate, employer obligations, employee rights […]

Ulch wants alcohol interlocks in all trucks

ST. MARYS, Ont. – Ian Parsons says he has never driven while drunk. There’s no DUI on his record, and he’s a firm believer in Ontario’s zero-tolerance policy around commercial vehicles and alcohol. If someone has been drinking, he doesn’t want them anywhere near a highway…

Legal marijuana can still present legal headaches

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – On a day that has become known as 4/20, celebrating the use of marijuana, lawyers from Fernandes Hearn are explaining the many challenges of cannabis in the workplace. Medical marijuana is already approved under regulations in force […]

Are your driver drug test records secure?

TORONTO, Ont. – Cross-border drivers face drug tests when they’re hired, after an accident, and randomly throughout the year. But once you give a sample, what happens to the medical data? It’s a similar question to one that researchers from St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto asked in a study of five teaching hospitals, including clinics and physicians’ offices.

Trucking companies should be worried about marijuana: Boisvenu

MONTREAL, Que. — The federal government has promised to legalize marijuana this year, as early as July 1, but more likely this fall. No matter when it comes, there will be challenges for the trucking industry – particularly when it comes to testing regimes.

CTA wants harmony on 11 issues

TORONTO, ON – Leaders of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) and provincial trucking associations have come together to identify 11 industry issues that could benefit from improved harmonization.

The call is designed to support a new task force under the Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety, established in September 2016, and complements existing initiatives like the National Task Force on Weights and Dimensions.
“This is a great opportunity for further collaboration between industry and government,” said Stephen Laskowski, president and Chief Executive Officer of the alliance. “CTA commends the provincial trucking associations for their efforts in contributing to our submission and looks forward to working with all interests in addressing the issues identified.”

Prepare to go green in 2018

The only thing to like about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is that he’s proving to be a man of his word and keeping his campaign promises. Like most, I wasn’t surprised (or disappointed) when he announced that recreational pot will […]

Smoke Screening: Cross-border drivers can’t use legalized weed

TORONTO, ON — Think of it as one of the first steps to help clear the air around a campaign promise. The federal government has officially unveiled its plans to legalize recreational marijuana by July 2018, and promised as well to introduce some of the toughest impaired driving laws in the world – complete with roadside saliva tests that can be demanded by police.

Feds to toughen impaired driving rules under pot laws

TORONTO, ON – The federal government has officially unveiled its plans to legalize recreational marijuana by July 2018, and promises as well to introduce some of the toughest impaired driving laws in the world – complete with roadside saliva tests.

Under the proposal, police would be able to demand oral fluid samples if they believe drivers have drugs in their body, and with reasonable grounds would be able to demand a blood sample.

Punishments for those found driving under the influence of drugs including cannabis will become more severe, said Ralph Goodale, minister of public safety, during a press briefing on Friday. There are also plans for a “wide-ranging” campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of driving while impaired.

ATA seeking guidelines regarding hair testing for drugs

ARLINGTON, VA – Chris Spear, president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the American Trucking Associations has submitted a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary, Tom Price, calling on Washington to hastily provide guidelines and standards for the use of hair samples in mandatory drug testing of truck drivers.

U.S. establishing database of drug test violations

WASHINGTON, D.C.–The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is establishing a national drug and alcohol clearinghouse for commercial truck and bus drivers — creating a central repository of violations under FMCSA’s drug and alcohol testing program.

It applies to Canadian drivers who enter the U.S. as well as all American carriers. “Creating a central, comprehensive, and searchable database of commercial motor vehicle drivers who violate federal drug and alcohol testing requirements has been a departmental priority,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “This system will be a new technological tool that will make our roads safer.”

Roadside saliva testing set for Michigan pilot program

LANSING, MI – Michigan lawmakers have approved a one-year roadside drug testing pilot program that will use saliva tests to determine if there are drugs in a driver’s system.

The pilot program will kick off in five counties, with the tests administered by state troopers who have undergone training for the roadside drug tests. The test can determine the presence of Schedule 1-5 controlled substances, much like a breathalyzer detects alcohol.

A spokesperson for the Michigan State Police said that trained troopers will also utilize indicators such as blood pressure, respiration, and pupil deviations.

Graves Urges Transport Secretary on Mandatory Hair Testing

ARLINGTON, VA – The American Trucking Associations (ATA) “praised” new measures proposed by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to reduce impaired driving. The ATA is also calling for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to allow mandatory hair samples in standard drug tests.

U.S. taking a harder look at drug testing

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation plans increase the scope of its drug testing regime and change the training requirements for Medical Review Officers.