The Provincial Governments of Manitoba and Saskatchewan signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Harmonization of Regulations and Cooperation on Transportation Issues last Friday, expanding their commitment to reducing barriers in interprovincial transportation for commercial vehicle operations.
The purpose of the MOU is to increase efficiency and cooperation with respect to commercial transport within and between the two provinces. Building on a history of cooperation, this latest agreement promises to reduce barriers in several key areas, including harmonization of several special permit conditions such as for turnpike doubles, oversize and overweight loads and maximum gross vehicle weight for certain transport truck configurations.
Bob Dolyniuk
“We are delighted to see that there are some important measures that are addressed in this MOU,” says MTA Executive Director, Bob Dolyniuk, “we see this agreement as a good step towards further interprovincial harmonization that will have a positive impact on our members and on our industry. Harmonization will create further productivity and efficiency gains for the trucking industry in Manitoba.”
The MOU, signed by the Honourable Steve Ashton, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation for Manitoba, and the Honourable Jim Reiter, Minister of Highways and Infrastructure for Saskatchewan, was struck during a joint Manitoba-Saskatchewan meeting of Cabinet last week. The agreement follows a June 2010 meeting between the two Ministers responsible for Transportation where they consulted with transportation stakeholders and agreed to work towards regulation harmonization to increase regional competitiveness and efficiency.
The provinces hope that in taking these steps toward harmonization, it will not only provide a friendlier business climate for the transportation industry within and between these two provinces, but will also enhance highway safety while protecting highway infrastructure.
The Manitoba Trucking Association exists to develop and maintain a safe and healthy business environment for our industry members.
For more information contact:
Bob Dolyniuk Executive Director Phone: (204) 632-6600 E-mail: [email protected]
