The Alberta Government joins Manitoba and Ontario in recognizing Department of National Defence (DND) training and testing requirements.  
    This agreement will allow current and retired Canadian Forces members to operate commercial vehicles without additional testing. Previously, military veterans were unable to transfer their credentials when they left their military careers.
    “I am proud we are helping those who have sacrificed so much for Albertans make an easier transition to new, well-paying jobs,” said Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation. “This will help veterans move into civilian life and increase economic stability for veterans and their families.”
    This agreement allows conversion from the DND 404 licence to Alberta driver’s licence classes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, allowing applicants to drive semi-tractors, large trucks, buses and limousines, thereby addressing labour shortages in the commercial trucking industry.  
    “The trucking industry is proud of the government’s efforts to support our troops after their term of service with the Department of National Defence,” said    Dan Duckering, Chairman, Alberta Motor Transport Association Board of Directors. “As the industry faces a shortage of experienced and qualified professionals, we welcome the opportunity to provide employment to these former members of the military. We would like to thank Rosenau Transport for their support showcasing the ‘Support Our Troops’ tractor-trailer for this event.”
       “I’m very pleased that Alberta has joined with a growing coalition of Provinces in providing civilian commercial accreditation for the equivalent military driver qualifications provided by the Department of National Defence,” Gregory C.P. Matte, Executive Director Helmets to Hardhats said. “This important step will provide many serving Reservists, transitioning military personnel, and recently retired vets with a marketable qualification and terrific new career opportunities in the commercial trucking industry.”
    
Licensing Facts
• Since the agreement was signed on June 18, two retired and 47 active members of the Canadian Armed Forces have applied. Of those, more than two-thirds have transitioned to Alberta driver’s licences.
• Class 4 licences (Professional) allow users to drive a taxi, ambulance, a bus that seats fewer than 25 passengers and all vehicles covered under Class 5 (standard driver’s licence).
• Class 3 licences (Non-professional) allow users to drive vehicles with three or more axles as long as the trailer is not equipped with air brakes, as well a taxi, ambulance, a bus without passengers, and all vehicles covered under Class 5.
•Class 2 licences allow users to drive all vehicles covered under Classes 3, 4 or 5, as well as buses with more than 25 passengers.
• Class 1 licences allow users to drive any motor vehicle other than a motorcycle.
• There are 347,111 drivers with Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 licences in Alberta as of January 1, 2015.

    Remembrance Day, November 11 is the time to remember those who have given their lives, fought for our freedoms and saved our way of life.
    One such gentleman, Glenn Thomas, was a Corporal with the Canadian Armed Forces.  He served from May 1964 and was discharged March 1975.  He served in France, Germany, Holland, Norway, Belgium and Cyprus as a peace keeper.  
     He was a qualified ammunition technician, disposing of land mines and unexploded bombs in Germany.  That took calm hands and a brave heart.  
    He was also a clerk and spent three years setting up the Canadian Armed Forces computer system for Supply.               While in Germany, his late spouse Shirley worked as a RN at the Military Hospital.
    In 1967 -1968, Glenn was posted in Calgary and the Calgary Police were informed that he was an Ammo Tech and were able to use his skills  to defuse devices.  
    In Norway, he was in Field Work with the Allied Command Europe (ACE) Mobile Force, protecting Norway in case Russia decided to invade, as the countries shared borders.  There were over 5,000 personnel and 14 different NATO countries under ACE.   Glenn said there was over 800 Canadians involved  from 1969 to 1970.  
    Thomas is now retired, living in Drumheller.