Transport Canada is reviewing the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations under Part 6: Training, seeking to modernize and standardize TDG training with the goal of strengthening training requirements and enhancing the safe transport of dangerous goods.

Following initial consultations in winter 2016, Transport Canada put forward a white paper for public consultation ending February 28, 2017.

Transport Canada is proposing three recommendations:

1. To replace the term “adequately trained” in the existing regulations with what it means to be a “competent person.”
2. To:

• Adopt a competency-based approach to training and assessment that would be reflected in the regulations;
• Develop a Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) framework that identifies performance expectations based on a person’s job functions; and,
• Develop a standard and guidelines to supplement the CBTA framework.

3. To develop a standardized generic “TDG 101” test the public sector would administer and deliver.

The Transport Canada standard and guidelines for training would help the private sector develop their training curriculum, training courses (both TDG 101 course and specialized courses), and assessment tools. Although TC would develop the TDG 101 Test, the private sector would need to develop its own courses.

CAAR submitted comments on behalf of the agri-retail industry, aligning with comments submitted by Fertilizer Canada as well as several independent submissions from CAAR member, raising concerns about the approach, such as:

• Ensuring the definition of “competent person” is clear and does not conflict with provincial or other regional definitions of the term,
• Avoiding redundancy with existing specialized training that typically covers both basic and specialized TDG information,
• Ensuring assessments of competency are fair and consistent.

CAAR is tracking the response to feedback received through the public consultation period and will update members as more information is received.

To view more details about the Transport Canada proposal, click here to download "Training in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods: A White Paper" or visit the Transport Canada site at http://www.letstalktransportation.ca/tdg.