Letters to the Editor, Oct. 15, 2024

Published Oct 14, 2024  •  2 minute read

Tuesday letters. Photo by Illustration /Toronto Sun

HIGHWAY SAFETY

Article content

Re “Driving instructors ‘accepting bribes’ allowing truck drivers on Ontario roads: Report” (Denette Wilford, Oct. 11): I am writing to commend CBC Marketplace for their excellent investigative journalism into the issues surrounding driver training and licensing in Ontario. The report has shed much-needed light on serious concerns that our organization, Truckers for Safer Highways, has been advocating for years. The CBC’s investigation highlighted the shortcomings in the Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) program, particularly the inadequate number of training hours required for new truck drivers. We believe that 103.5 hours is insufficient to prepare individuals to safely operate heavy vehicles on our roads. Additionally, the report uncovered alarming instances of fraud and bribery at DriveTest Ontario centres, raising serious questions about the integrity of the licensing process. It is imperative that the OPP launch a thorough investigation into the allegations of fraud at DriveTest centres. The safety of all road users depends on ensuring that only qualified and properly trained drivers are behind the wheel of commercial vehicles. We urge the government to take immediate action to address these pressing issues. This includes increasing the required training hours for new truck drivers, strengthening enforcement measures, and implementing stricter quality control standards for driver testing. By working together, we can create a safer and more reliable transportation system for all. Be safe out there.

Article content

Travis McDougall                                                                                                                                             Co-Founder, Truckers for Safer Highways                                                                                                   Cambridge, Ont.

(It was an important piece of journalism with findings which need to be acted on. The Ministry of Transportation should investigate and crack down on the fraud)

OLIVIA’S FAILURE

Olivia Chow needs reminding, every time she looks out her office window at Nathan Phillips Square, that Phillips, the former Jewish mayor of Toronto, was known as “the mayor of all the people.” Big boots for her to fill, and she’s failing terribly!

Peter Birks                                                                                                                                                 Mississauga

(No one should be surprised by Chow’s incompetence)

TAKING SIDES

I wonder whose side these protesters would be on if Canada ever went to war with their homeland. Would Canada end up fighting a war on two fronts, home and abroad?

Alma Anderson                                                                                                                                              Toronto

(It’s a legitimate question, the answer to which we won’t like)

Article content