Connect with us

Alberta

Military qualify for commercial driver’s licences

Published

3 minute read

from Government of Alberta

The province is making it easier for Canadian Armed Forces members, Regular and Reserve, to find good jobs during and after their service.

L-R: Maj. Charmaine Berestovy, MLA Nicole Goehring, MLA Colin Piquette, Carolyn Patton and Chris Nash.

 

The government is now recognizing their unique training when it comes to operating commercial vehicles.

Since June 2015, Alberta has recognized the Department of National Defence’s (DND) training and testing requirements so that serving members and veterans can operate commercial vehicles without more testing. Previously, military veterans were unable to transfer their credentials when they left their military careers.

Working with the DND and the Canadian Forces Liaison Council, Alberta Transportation has expanded the current policy to include Reservists under this agreement. This change came into effect in November 2018.

“This agreement serves Regular and Reserve members, including veterans, in their current and future careers. These highly skilled men and women can save time and money on training and testing and take advantage of new job opportunities as they retire from the Canadian Armed Forces and transition to new careers.”

Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation

“Alberta’s recognition of military driving qualifications is an excellent opportunity for Reservists to advance their civilian careers without the financial and time burden of additional testing.”

Maj. Charmaine Berestovy, deputy commanding officer, 41 Service Battalion, 41 Canadian Brigade Group

“Through the ongoing partnership between the Canadian Forces Liaison Council and the Government of Alberta, Alberta Transportation is recognizing the rigorous training and special qualifications of Reserve Force members with the expanded DND Training and Testing Recognition agreement. The end result is safe, qualified and experienced drivers on Alberta roads.”   

Carolyn Patton, Alberta chair of Canadian Forces Liaison Council

“I applaud the Alberta government decision to exempt past and present Department of National Defence trained personnel from the incoming mandatory entry-level required training. This agreement creates a pathway into civilian careers as commercial drivers.” 

Chris Nash, president, Alberta Motor Transport Association

Quick facts

As of Dec. 17, 2018, 803 DND applications have been processed since the DND Training and Testing Recognition agreement was signed in 2015.

About 15 per cent of applicants were eligible for an Alberta Class 1 or Class 2 driver’s licence upgrade and
65 per cent of applicants were eligible for a Class 3 driver’s licence upgrade.

President Todayville Inc., Honorary Colonel 41 Signal Regiment, Board Member Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Award Foundation, Director Canadian Forces Liaison Council (Alberta) musician, photographer, former VP/GM CTV Edmonton.

Follow Author

Alberta

Alberta Next: Immigration

Published on

From Premier Danielle Smith and Alberta.ca/Next

Let’s talk about immigration.

The Alberta we know and love was built by newcomers from all over Canada and the world; however, immigration levels must also be sustainable…and the Liberal’s open border policies have destroyed that balance resulting in high inflation and increased unemployment.

The Alberta Next Panel is asking: should Alberta take control of our own immigration system to ensure a more sustainable number newcomers that will more strongly contribute to our economy.

It’s your voice and your province. Have your say at www.alberta.ca/next

Continue Reading

Alberta

Alberta uncorks new rules for liquor and cannabis

Published on

Alberta’s government is supporting liquor producers by enabling them to own, operate and sell their own products on large format bikes or “party bikes.”

Albertans out for a spin on a party bike or tavern tour will soon be able to sip locally made beers and spirits. Alberta’s government is updating the rules to give small liquor producers the green light to serve their own products on party bikes, removing an outdated barrier that had prevented local producers from advertising their own brands.

This is one of several red tape reduction changes to the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Regulation (GLCR) aimed at making life easier for small businesses and expanding responsible choices for consumers.

“We are proud that these amendments not only cut red tape in the retail segment of the liquor marketplace, but also directly open more opportunities for small manufacturers to grow their businesses.”

Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction

More freedom to grow: Liquor and cannabis reforms

In addition to the changes to party bikes, Alberta is making it easier for liquor retailers to set up shop in underused commercial space. Businesses that own or lease large buildings can now carve out a separate liquor store within their space, so long as it has its own entrance and full floor-to-ceiling walls separating it from other retail operations.

Alberta’s government is also rolling out a long-awaited change for cannabis producers: federally licensed cultivators and processors will now be able to apply for a retail licence to sell their products directly from the same property, commonly known as “farm-gate” sales. This move aligns Alberta with other provinces and gives consumers more access to homegrown cannabis products, while supporting licensed growers.

These targeted reforms are part of Alberta’s broader push to cut red tape, reduce regulatory burden, and promote a more competitive marketplace across the province.

Quick facts

  • Alberta’s retail liquor industry is robust, with more than 35,000 products available across more than 1,600 retail stores
  • Larger companies with other retail stores, operate multiple retail stores that have a liquor store on site, but in a separate building.
  • There are 752 licenced cannabis retail stores in Alberta.
  • There are 2,356 licensed cannabis products for sale in the province.
  • All cannabis retailers must be licensed by AGLC.
  • Licensed producers are regulated by Health Canada.
Continue Reading

Trending

X