Towing Toils: New provincial tow regulations limiting training and service capacity, say Northern Ontario operators

Ottawa, Ontario — Tow operators in Northern Ontario have reported complications with the new industry requirements imposed on July 21, 2024, that require service testing not readily available in the region.

Some tow operators in Northern Ontario originally reported to CBC News that they have been struggling to hire new drivers to assist with roadside emergencies since tow drivers must now complete an approved training program involving online learning and one in-person six-hour training session.

The issue, according to Northern Ontario tow operators, is that there are currently only two authorized training providers in Ontario and one of them—CAA Club Group—only allows those in its contracted network to register for the course.

These operators claim the training courses do not have the capacity to cover all of Ontario.

Justin Cruse, president of WreckMaster commented that the courses are scheduled where there is a demand and unfortunately, Northern Ontario does not represent a majority.

“Unfortunately, as it stands now, we’re basing [courses] on the number of students coming in and scheduling courses in those areas.”

Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation further reported to CBC News in an email that “this is an application-based program and currently no service providers located in the north have applied.”

However, the Ministry expects that in future, more courses will become available as demand continues to increase.