Today, the Public Service Alliance of Canada, Quebec Region (PSAC-Quebec) and the Fraternité des constables du contrôle routier du Québec (FCCRQ) are releasing a video (subtitled in English) to raise awareness of the key role commercial vehicle enforcement officers play on Quebec’s roads and highways. The goal is to shed light on their job and inform the public about the risks these officers face in the line of duty.
Commercial vehicle enforcement officers are currently awaiting a ruling from the Administrative Labour Tribunal on the tools needed to ensure their safety. They are worried and are calling on the government to intervene.
“We’re asking that the government act now. Commercial vehicle enforcement officers are peace officers and deserve to be treated with the respect this position commands,” said Yvon Barrière, Executive Vice-President, PSAC‑Quebec. “To protect them so they can protect the Quebec population, these officers need to be properly recognized and better equipped.”
The role and responsibilities of commercial vehicle enforcement officers have evolved a great deal over the last twenty years. Unfortunately, their employment status has not followed suit. These days, their daily work is more about prevention, much like police officers.
“We often find ourselves in tricky and dangerous situations. Every day, we’re confronted with malicious individuals,” said Jean-Claude Daignault, President of the FCCRQ. “Before one of our colleagues dies in the line of duty, we need better equipment and training to handle threats. It’s time!”
Commercial vehicle enforcement officers patrol roads across the province, enforcing laws and safeguarding Quebec’s road network and infrastructure. These peace officers and special constables have exceptional powers, including the ability to conduct warrantless searches. They often seize illegal goods like drugs, weapons and stolen vehicles. Commercial vehicle enforcement officers risk their lives protecting ours and make our roads some of the safest in the world.