In an unprecedented decision, the Administrative Labour Tribunal (ALT) approved a request from the Fraternité des constables du contrôle routier du Québec and PSAC-Quebec to provide better protections for commercial vehicle enforcement officers. This decision highlights the hazards these workers face, including physical attacks and threats to their bodily integrity.
“The ALT ordered the immediate suspension of active patrols by commercial vehicle enforcement officers on Quebec roads,” said Yvon Barrière, Regional Executive Vice-President for PSAC-Quebec. “It’s unprecedented. Until their employer provides them with the appropriate means to ensure their protection, it raises major roadway and public safety concerns.”
Though PSAC-Quebec welcomes this decision, it would like to warn the population and authorities of grave consequences if protection measures aren’t immediately instituted for commercial vehicle enforcement officers to facilitate their return to duty.
The impacts of this decision are numerous and troubling:
- Uptick in traffic offences: Without the proactive presence of commercial vehicle enforcement officers, offences and dangerous behaviour on roads may rise. This is of particular importance during the critical thaw period, when heavy vehicle loads must be controlled to avoid deforming our already fragile roads and weakening our infrastructure.
- Facilitation of criminal activity: The suspension of vehicle enforcement activities also affects the fight against the illegal transport of goods, including firearms, drugs, and stolen vehicles, thus compromising public safety. Given the current US administration and its demands on Canada to intercept fentanyl, this is a troubling outcome.
- People placed at risk: Without commercial vehicle enforcement officers, school buses, taxis, and Ubers are not being inspected for safety. Critical infrastructure, including bridges and tunnels, are likewise not being monitored, putting the people who use them at risk.
Given these concerns, PSAC-Quebec has sent a letter to Quebec Premier François Legault calling for urgent measures to guarantee the safety of commercial vehicle enforcement officers while enabling them to effectively carry out their duties. This letter proposes solutions such as improved training, adequate protective equipment, and authorization to carry a service weapon.
PSAC-Quebec calls for swift action to resolve this pressing situation and ensure the safety of our roads and citizens.