Provincial Agriculture Minister Devin Dreeshen - Photo: Courtesy Province of Alberta

By Lara Fominoff with files from the Canadian Press

UCP Government extending NDP exemption for farm trucks, school buses says Ag Minister

Oct 4, 2019 | 12:21 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Provincial Agriculture Minister Devin Dreeshen offered some brief comments Thursday (Oct. 3) while in Lethbridge, on the province’s decision to review regulations that relax the requirements for school bus drivers and farm trucks.

Speaking at the official opening of the Cavendish Farms processing facility, Dreeshen said his government was simply extending an exemption the former NDP government put in place.

“The previous government made an exemption and pushed back for farmers and school bus drivers, and (Transportation) Minister (Ric) McIver who is the lead on this, has extended that extension, and is committed to doing a consultation.”

However, the families of the 16 killed and 13 injured in the Humboldt bus crash call the decision to review the regulations “disgusting” and add that a two-tiered system is ridiculous.

Toby Boulet, whose son Logan died in the crash, tweeted Sept. 30, “The present AB Government has quickly forgotten about the Broncos…this makes me so sad!”

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He added on Oct. 1, “the same roads are used so the same rules need to apply. Again – I will speak face to face with anyone who believes a load of grain has more value than my son’s life.”

Dreeshen added that “we’ll wait to see what Minister McIver’s consultation is at the end of the day, and that’s where it’s at.”

McIver also took to social media to say that safety is at the top of the list.

“Our top priority at Alberta Transportation is the safety and security of drivers and families on Alberta’s highways. Let me reassure you that we will not make any changes that compromise safety on our roads.

“Let me be completely clear: no decisions have been made or will be made until we hear from all interested parties about the best way to proceed.”