Union challenges report that N.B. school bus drivers failing licensing requirements
The union representing New Brunswick school bus drivers is challenging claims by the auditor general that its members are failing to meet licensing, training and criminal record check requirements.
Iris Lloyd, president of Canadian Union of Public Employees local representing the drivers, says the personnel files reviewed by the auditor were not up to date.
Lloyd says bus drivers love their job and understand they're driving "precious cargo" to school every day.
Last week, auditor general Paul Martin said a review of 65 drivers' personnel files found that 46 per cent did not comply with licensing requirements and 20 per cent did not have a criminal record check on file.
The audit also highlighted problems with school bus maintenance, noting that between Jan. 1, 2022, and Feb. 1, 2024, 63 buses were overdue for inspections and another 311 were overdue for maintenance.
Jonathan Guimond, president of the New Brunswick CUPE local representing mechanics, says some buses are in rough shape because mechanics aren't paid enough and it is difficult to recruit and retain them.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 14, 2024.
For more New Brunswick news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Worrying rumours' of planned 'non-consensual sexual acts' at after-prom party prompts Quebec police investigation
Police south of Montreal are investigating, and a school centre has asked parents not to allow their children to attend an after-prom party, after 'worrying rumours that unsavoury events were be planned by certain individuals related to drugs and non-consensual sexual acts.'
Bill Cobbs, 'Air Bud' and 'The Sopranos' actor, dies at 90
Bill Cobbs, the veteran character actor who became a ubiquitous and sage screen presence as an older man, has died. He was 90.
Oilers stars McDavid, Draisaitl played through injuries in playoffs: coach
The head coach of the Edmonton Oilers says some of the team's top stars were playing through major injuries during their Stanley Cup playoff run.
Military flees Bolivia government palace after coup attempt fails, general taken into custody
Armoured vehicles rammed the doors of Bolivia's government palace Wednesday in an apparent coup attempt, but President Luis Arce vowed to stand firm and named a new army commander who ordered troops to stand down.
More victims come forward in Ottawa rental scam
More people in Ottawa have come forward who say they've fallen victim to a real estate scam, with scammers posing as real estate agents trying to rent real properties.
Canadian businessman Frank Stronach facing new charges in connection with historical sexual assault investigation
Canadian businessman Frank Stronach is facing eight new charges after police say they've identified additional victims as part of an investigation into historical sexual assault allegations.
What you should know about the tick-borne disease anaplasmosis
Cases of a tick-borne illness called anaplasmosis are on the rise globally, and that includes across Canada. Biology professor Vett Lloyd says it is important to understand the risk factors for contracting anaplasmosis, and recognize symptoms of an infection, as the disease becomes more prevalent.
'I'm sorry, God': Accused at Coutts border blockade cried when protest abandoned
Anthony Olienick, sitting alone in an empty police interrogation room, breaks down in tears when he learns the COVID-19 protest blockade at Coutts, Alta., has disbanded in part because of his arrest.
He flipped off a trooper and got charged. Now Vermont is on the hook for US$175,000
Vermont has agreed to pay US$175,000 to settle a lawsuit on behalf of a man who was charged with a crime for giving a state trooper the middle finger in 2018, the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union said Wednesday.