Trucking across the pond
Published Wednesday September 3rd, 2008
Drivers from around the globe grabbing seats behind the wheel of New Brunswick-based big rigs
So what would motivate someone to leave behind their family, friends and home, cross at least one ocean and settle in another country where people may not even speak the same language?
It seems the opportunity to drive truck in New Brunswick is one compelling reason for many people to do just that. Another reason is the prospect of wide open spaces and a better quality of life.
"We have people from Austria, Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Romania, Holland and Israel driving for us," notes Ralph Boyd, Human Resources Manager at Ayr Motor Express, "and we currently have over 200 serious enquiries from many more countries around the world. About 30 per cent of our driving workforce – that's out of around 210 employed drivers – are foreign workers. They have assisted us in being able to grow our company, as well as contributing to the local community and economy, and to the province."
Ayr Motor's base in Woodstock is strategically located at the intersection of two arterial transportation routes – Route 95 (I-95) into Maine and the Trans-Canada highway –making it an attractive area for the transportation industry. Boyd notes that there are around 55 trucking companies in the region and there is a general labour shortage in this community with so many companies vying for workers.
Some lateral thinking led the company to start recruiting overseas back in 2001, with many other haulers also realizing the benefits of this approach. Ayr Motor has worked with the New Brunswick immigration authorities as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has developed over the years since then, sponsoring and training truck drivers, while seeking to meet the requirements of the program.
"We make sure people have 90 days' medical cover and we refund their air fare when they arrive," Boyd explains, "plus we give them a two-year contract. That way our costs can be recuperated over time."
However, Boyd notes, they are scaling back what they have done in the past, due to some issues with how the program is operating, as it seems other companies aren't being required to follow the rules, causing them to feel they have been disadvantaged.
One couple who came to New Brunswick through the PNP, with sponsorship by Ayr Motor Express, are Patrick and Brigitte De Corte, Patrick arriving in November 2005 and Brigitte following him out five months later, together with their daughter Lynn.
"Immigrating here is an enormous process," Brigitte recalls. "Lynn had to finish school and we had a house to sell."
Having worked as a bilingual assistant lawyer at the Council of State in Brussels, and able to speak several languages, Brigitte was inspired to start her own business once the family received their landed immigrant status, which is appropriately named "Be Translated". Clients are referred to her by various local transport companies. Having been through the process herself, she understands what is involved.
"I translate documents and help with the paperwork," she explains. "Some people don't have a clue how to start even. It can be complicated, if they have children by another marriage, for example. Also, drivers are on the road so they don't have the time to do it."
One issue that remains unclear is whether spouses are allowed to work before permanent residence is granted. Some have been told they can have a temporary work permit while others have been denied. People in the program, and those who have been through it, agree that not being able to work can be isolating and unhelpful to people wanting to settle into their new environment.
Recognizing this area of need, the Multicultural Association of Carleton County started providing language training for spouses at Ayr Motor's head office in Woodstock, in addition to the training already being provided in Florenceville. Their settlement services include information sessions on relevant subjects such as culture and lifestyle, with a recent seminar on insurance being well-received.
For more information, visit: http://www.maccnb.ca
Brigitte has also been helping spouses.
"I help them find work, and I even go to the interview with them. If they aren't yet landed immigrants, they need a work permit, so I help them to get this from Fredericton. I can be very determined! Now I have local employers coming to me to see if I have anyone that's available."
En français : Des immigrants, chauffeurs de camions, constituent maintenant environ 30 pour cent de la main-d'oeuvre des entreprises de camionnage de la Vallée du fleuve Saint-Jean.
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