UFA has been heavily involved throughout the review of the Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) process, ensuring that the provincial government understood that certain proposed changes to the program would significantly impact our members and customers. We are pleased that the provincial government has listened to and addressed some of the agricultural community's concerns.
On Wednesday, March 27, the provincial government announced changes to the MELT Program. Specifically, one of the significant changes that will positively impact many of our members is that Alberta farmers (along with immediate family members) are now exempt from the requirement for pre-licence training and providing them with a farm-restricted Class 1 driver's licence. This new farm-restricted Class 1 driver's licence will allow farmers and their immediate family members to operate Class 1 vehicles within Alberta and for authorized farm purposes only. Farmers eligible for the new farm-restricted Class 1 driver's licence must complete a knowledge test, road test and vision screening and submit a driver medical assessment to demonstrate they can safely drive Class 1 vehicles.
A special thank you to UFA Board Director Matt Sawyer and Steve Marshall, Director of Saskatchewan Petroleum Operations at UFA, for their support regarding the MELT process.
This is a win for the ag sector in our province and UFA will continue advocating on behalf of the farmers and ranchers we serve.
The complete news release can be viewed here: New learning pathway for Class 1 drivers | alberta.ca
