Injunction to Stop Salt Disruptions

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS-Injunction to Stop Salt Disruptions

The province has obtained a court injunction to prevent further disruptions at Department of Transportation salt sheds to ensure roads are safe for Nova Scotians, Minister Ron Russell said today.

Some independent trucks have blockaded the department's bases in Antigonish and Sydney River, preventing salt deliveries. It has been business as usual at the 53 other salt sheds across the province.

"Our fundamental responsibility is to ensure our roads are safe for motorists," said Mr. Russell. "We must have salt at our bases to spread as weather dictates."

Mr. Russell said the province is sticking by its plan to have the Nova Scotia Road Builders Association haul bulk salt to provincial depots for the rest of the season. He also announced the department's intention to tender for next winter's salt haul.

The Truckers Association of Nova Scotia stopped hauling salt 10 days ago, hours after demanding the department increase trucking rates because of rising diesel fuel prices. Last Friday the association rejected an offer of an 8 per cent increase.

Since then, the Road Builders Association has been dispatching trucks at standard department rates, without the increase. Fees are based on the tonnage and distance salt is hauled. Company trucks and independent truckers both qualify for the work.

"I'm sure independent truckers will continue to receive their share of provincial work," said Mr. Russell. "Nova Scotia is the only province in Canada that does not tender for this kind of work and we intend to move in that direction."

Mr. Russell said spending policies are being reviewed across government. "We have an obligation to ensure that taxpayers get the best service at the lowest cost."

There are 55 salt storage yards across the province. Salt supplies are running at approximately 60 per cent of capacity, about 45,000 tonnes. Supplies ebb and flow with storm conditions and the volume of bulk delivery.