(VIDEO) Canadian Trucking Alliance confirms no further delays on electronic logging device enforcement

There will be no more delays in enforcement of the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate for federally regulated carriers, authorities confirm to the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA). The mandate will take effect on Jan. 1, 2023.

The CTA has been advised by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) that the provinces and territories are firmly committed to enforcing the ELD mandate in January 2023 with no further delays expected. If a particular jurisdiction is not able to enforce the rule in January, all others who are ready will proceed with enforcement at that time, regardless.

"Based on updates from our government partners at CCMTA and provincial associations, it is our clear understanding all jurisdictions will be ready to start enforcement on January 1," says Geoff Wood, CTA's senior vice president of policy. "But, if there are unforeseen circumstances that lead to a jurisdiction not being ready to enforce, other jurisdictions that are ready and prepared will not be held back and will go forward. The industry has been well prepared for this rule for a long time and has waited long enough for enforcement. It's time enforcement begins."  

In recent discussions with CTA's provincial trucking associations and provincial and federal officials responsible for the introduction and enforcement of the ELD mandate, governments across the country have indicated they are busy preparing for enforcement and report no major technical roadblocks that would prevent enforcement in January. 

According to these same reports, the only remaining provinces left to finalize their regulatory paths are Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, and British Columbia. However, the Quebec Trucking Association expects matters to be finalized shortly, while the British Columbia Trucking Association says it has been assured the government of B.C. will also be in a position to begin enforcement of ELDs as of January 1. The Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association reports that it believes both Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia will also enforce in January 2023.

"Safety on our roads is our top priority; therefore, it is extremely important that enforcement of ELDs start in January 2023. We can't afford another delay with this implementation. Carriers are ready therefore Transport Canada and all jurisdictions should move this forward," says Jean-Marc Picard, executive director at the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association.

There are currently 52 ELDs certified by Transport Canada for use in Canada.