The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) is actively investigating a local transport company that was previously charged and fined more than $100,000, after discovering it had allegedly reopened for business under a new name without proper certification.
A Pattern of Offences and Enforcement
On December 5, 2023, the EPS Commercial Vehicles Investigations Unit (CVIU) concluded a major probe into Alberta North Transportation Ltd. The company, which specialized in private excursions for large groups, including school field trips, was slapped with a staggering 223 offences. These charges included failures to conduct proper trip inspections, missing required Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program (CVIP) certifications, and a lack of mandatory log books.
Following this enforcement action, the company's safety fitness certificates were cancelled. However, investigators later made a disturbing discovery: the enterprise had seemingly resurrected itself and continued to operate illegally under the new name, Northern Alberta Transportation.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety Concerns
The EPS escalated its response on October 10, when investigators seized one of the company's buses. Police believe the company owns several buses and is still operating illegally without the necessary safety certifications.
This company is one of the 'chameleon' carriers that Alberta Transportation has recently taken enforcement action against, stated Constable Kyle Westergaard with the EPS CVIU unit. In this case, the company was continuing to transport busloads of passengers, including school-aged children, while failing to meet Alberta safety requirements.
How to Verify a Transport Company
In light of this case, police are urging the public, especially schools and organizations booking group travel, to exercise due diligence. They recommend that anyone looking to hire a passenger transportation carrier should obtain the company's public safety profile by visiting the official Alberta Transportation website before making any commitments.
This case highlights ongoing challenges with non-compliant carriers in the province and the importance of regulatory oversight for public safety.
