We received permission from Minister Nally to publish his response for our members, as we felt it was of particular interest on their progress and work on some of our priority areas:

Thank you for your email addressing the truck driver shortage through a redesign of Class 1 Driver Training and the Medicine Hat and District Chamber of Commerce’s support for modernization of the Registry Agent Network in Alberta. As the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, responsible for registry agents, I appreciate the opportunity to respond on behalf of the Government of Alberta.

I have shared your concerns regarding the truck driver shortage and a redesign of the Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) program with my colleague, the Honourable Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors. Minister Dreeshen advised that the department is working closely with industry stakeholders and other government departments in developing plans to address commercial driver shortages, and is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the MELT program, its impact on road safety, barriers to obtaining Class 1 driver’s licences, and options to address driver shortages. Your concerns and recommendations to address the truck driver shortages will be considered as part of the review of MELT.

Regarding the modernization of registry agents, I recognize that the services provided by registry agents are vital to Albertans—from helping new parents register the birth of their children, to granting new drivers their licences, to giving business owners the tools they need to start up and operate successful ventures. I share your desire to ensure registry services, products, and delivery methods are modernized to meet Albertans’ needs.

My department recently collaborated with our registry agent stakeholder partners, the Association of Alberta Registry Agents and the Alberta Motor Association, to provide an in-person option for Albertans wishing to access the Affordability Payments Program. This initiative supported affordability and also gave registry agents a new service to provide on behalf of the Government of Alberta. We are exploring what other services could be provided by registry agents, including in-person verification for Alberta.ca verified accounts.

My department also monitors the demand for new registry agents in the province, particularly in communities that may have limited access or may have lost access to in-person services entirely. Recently, we issued a request for proposal for a replacement registry agent in Smoky Lake to restore in‑person services in that community after the last registry agent chose to discontinue operations.

The department will continue to consult with our registry agent partners on important topics that affect the future of registry services, including reducing red tape, the modernization of registry service delivery, and the review of registry agent fees.

Thank you again for taking the time to write. I hope this information is helpful.

Sincerely,

Honourable Dale Nally

Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction