Transportation is a sector that provides a huge necessity for people here in Saskatchewan. With this week being Transportation Week in Saskatchewan, it gives the opportunity to give thanks to those in the sector that is quite often overlooked and under-appreciated.
Nearly 1 million men and women throughout Canada form the transportation sector, helping deliver goods and services throughout the country in many forms. Whether its planes, trains, or automobiles; when something needs to be moved from point A to point B these people get it done.
It starts from the ground up, including local trucking companies such as Grainbelt Transport here in Weyburn. Stu Mcleod talks about the importance of keeping the wheels turning here in Saskatchewan.
“I think it's very important for sure. I mean just about everything that we get in this community here comes by truck. Whether it's, you know, groceries or fuel or grain to the elevators and out to the markets. I think it’s very important for our economy and the City of Weyburn and surrounding area.”
Trains are also vitally important to the transportation sector. The Canadian economy witnessed first-hand the impact of the rail lines with the strikes that occurred with CN and CPKC. They deliver billions of dollars' worth of goods every day and play a vital role within the economy.
Those training the new generation of truckers are especially seeing the role that transport plays first-hand, with new jobs and opportunities appearing every day within the sector. Jordan Hopfe is the owner and instructor at Hopfe Training Centre here in Weyburn; and he’s noticed the continual growth of transportation.
“I definitely noticed an uptick of people (in training) that I don't think I would have ever expected before. I see a lot more of new Canadians, I see some women that come through instead of just, you know, farm kids. It’s something that I think a lot of people are turning to as hey, I can do this.”
An incredibly important sector for our economy, transportation is a lot more than just moving something from one place to another; it’s a way of life in Saskatchewan.