Stricter impaired driving laws proposed in Manitoba could have implications for employers, particularly in industries reliant on drivers or operators of heavy machinery. The legislation, which includes lifetime licence suspensions for repeat offenders, may prompt companies to revisit hiring practices, workplace safety policies, and employee training programs to ensure compliance and mitigate risks
Under the proposed changes to the Highway Traffic Act, individuals convicted of a second impaired driving or refusal offence causing bodily harm or death within 10 years would face a lifetime licence suspension. Currently, such offences carry a 10-year suspension.
“Impaired driving poses a serious threat to public safety, as 10 per cent of fatal collisions in Manitoba in 2023 included impaired driving as a contributing factor,” said Justice Minister Matt Wiebe. “Our government is committed to taking concrete action to protect our communities and improve road safety by introducing changes which reinforce that there are real and serious consequences for choosing to drink and drive.”
Zero tolerance for convicted impaired drivers
The amendments would also introduce a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol in the blood of convicted impaired drivers. For a first conviction, this restriction would last seven years; for a second, it would apply for life. Drivers caught violating these restrictions would face penalties similar to those under Manitoba’s Immediate Roadside Prohibition program, including roadside suspensions, vehicle impoundments, and escalating sanctions such as ignition interlock requirements and financial penalties.
Advocacy groups and law enforcement officials welcomed the proposed measures. Tanya Hansen Pratt, national president of MADD Canada, said the changes could save lives. “Despite the progress that has been made, hundreds of people are killed and thousands more are injured every year in alcohol- and drug-related crashes. It is important that those who cause the most harm are held accountable and given sanctions to prevent them from driving impaired again, including lengthy driving bans and zero tolerance,” she said.
Police applaud changes
The Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police also voiced support for the amendments. Insp. Michael Gagliardi, chair of the association’s traffic safety committee, said the changes send a strong message. “Each year, we pull over thousands of vehicles, and unfortunately, we do see repeat offenders,” he said. “Increasing the driver’s licence prohibition is sending a very strong message to all Manitobans. We hope for the safety of everyone, that these new amendments save lives.”
The proposed legislation comes as Manitoba continues to combat the persistent issue of impaired driving, which remains a leading cause of fatal collisions in the province.
Implications for employers
- Employee Screening and Hiring: Employers may need to update background checks or pre-employment screening processes to account for the stricter penalties, such as lifetime licence suspensions. This is especially relevant for roles requiring a valid driver’s licence.
- Impact on Workforce Availability: Employees convicted of impaired driving offences and subject to lifetime licence suspensions could lose their ability to perform their job duties, potentially leading to staffing challenges for employers.
- Safety Policies and Training: Employers might consider reinforcing workplace policies on impaired driving, particularly in industries where driving is integral. This could include increased training on substance abuse and alcohol policies to mitigate risks.
- Insurance and Liability: The legislation could influence employer liability and insurance rates. If an employee drives under the influence while performing job duties, employers could face reputational and financial repercussions.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): The changes might prompt employers to focus on offering or enhancing EAPs that address substance abuse issues, aiming to prevent impaired driving incidents among employees.