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Chamber calls for standard in training for truck drivers

A resolution calling for a minimum standard in truck driver training became policy of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce at its annual general meeting last month in Penticton.

A resolution calling for a minimum standard in truck driver training became policy of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce at its annual general meeting last month in Penticton.

The resolution, authored by and shared with the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, was presented by the Delta Chamber of Commerce and supported by chambers and boards of trade across the province.

The B.C. Chamber of Commerce, representing thousands of small and medium sized businesses in the province through the many member chambers, will now make recommendations to the provincial government.

"Because of the heavy use of commercial vehicles on Delta's highways and roads and work with businesses and police on crime and safety, the Delta Chamber of Commerce was glad to present this resolution," said Delta Chamber of Commerce chair Kelly Guichon.

The policy recommends ICBC work with key stakeholders to develop a standardized minimum curriculum for all commercial vehicle driver training schools in the province, and that the provincial government work with authorities in other parts of Canada to ensure a similar standard.

"Safety is at risk and gridlock occurs, at huge expense to the business community and local residents, when accidents happen on our highways and roads," said Guichon.

"Air quality is also threatened by all the idling vehicles. Those accidents should not occur because truckers lack sufficient training to operate large commercial vehicles. The truck driver training schools should ensure a minimum standard is set."