(File photo/CKOM Staff)

By CKOM News

Broncos families concerned gov’t may loosen requirements for truckers

Oct 28, 2022 | 1:57 PM

The families of those hurt or killed in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash have sent a letter to the Saskatchewan government, raising concerns about potential changes to requirements for truck drivers.

In the letter, addressed to cabinet ministers Jeremy Harrison, Jeremy Cockrill and Don Morgan, members of 24 families said they don’t want the province to consider eliminating the need for a Class 5 driver’s licence before a driver can obtain a Class 1 commercial driver’s licence.

“The driver of the semi-trailer truck who caused the horrific crash was grossly underqualified to drive the semi-truck,” the letter read. “He is one of an increasing number of untrained and unskilled drivers who are the cause of accidents causing deaths and injuries on Saskatchewan roads and highways.”

On April 6, 2018, the Broncos were on their way to an SJHL playoff game in Nipawin when their bus collided with a semi at the intersection of two highways near Tisdale. Sixteen people died and 13 others were hurt.

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The driver of the truck, Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, was sentenced to eight years in prison after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving charges. He was granted day parole in July.

The letter said the families were worried that trucking companies – many of which are dealing with a shortage of drivers – are putting pressure on the government to ease the requirements for those hoping to get a truck driver’s licence.

“Considering changing driving credentials to make it easier for new drivers to attain a Class One driver’s licence is abhorrent and is not in the best interest of our families or of anyone travelling on Canadian roads and highways,” the letter said.

There wasn’t any mention of potential changes to the regulations in Wednesday’s speech from the throne.

“Your government has promised to make changes to provide the clearest path of any jurisdiction in Canada to having foreign professional credentials recognized,” the letter said. “Ministers, there has always been a driver shortage. Our loved ones are not expendable. Neither are yours.”

— With files from The Canadian Pres