Euless Man Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Smuggling 18 People in Truck Tanker

Source: United States Attorney’s Office

Western District of Texas

DEL RIO, Texas – A 43-year-old man from Euless, Texas, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for his involvement in a human smuggling operation.

On June 29, 2023, Oland Maurice McKenzie was driving a tractor trailer with a metal pneumatic tank when a Maverick County Sheriff’s deputy pulled him over for failing to use a turn signal. It was then discovered that McKenzie did not hold a valid commercial driver’s license.

During the stop, U.S. Border Patrol agents conducted a canine search, which led to the shocking discovery of 18 undocumented individuals hidden inside the enclosed tank trailer, typically used to haul powdered substances like cement or sand.

McKenzie was arrested and charged with conspiracy and transportation of illegal aliens in a manner that placed lives in danger. He was convicted by a jury on May 1, 2024, on both counts.

“Law enforcement’s intervention absolutely saved lives,” said Margaret Leachman, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas.

“Had they not acted when they did, this could have resulted in tragedy.”

Craig Larrabee, Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Antonio, added:

“This case highlights the dangerous nature of human smuggling and reinforces the critical importance of border security enforcement.”

The case was investigated by HSI and U.S. Border Patrol, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Miner.

Illegal Truck Yard Fines in Caledon Surpass $330K Since June: A Clear Message to Violators

Source: X

The Town of Caledon is cracking down on illegal truck yards, having secured several convictionssince June 2024 that amount to over $330,000 in fines.

In a news release issued on April 2, the town emphasized its firm stance against unauthorized trucking operations that violate zoning regulations and compromise public safety and the environment.

“This activity will not be tolerated,” stated Mayor Annette Groves, reinforcing the town’s commitment to community protection.

The Caledon Community Road Safety Advocacy (CCRSA) group, which has long campaigned for the removal of these illegal sites, welcomed the news with optimism.

“We’re hoping this is just the first of many to come,” a CCRSA spokesperson noted.

Rebecca Carvalho, Chair of the Illegal Land Use Task Force, added:

“These convictions send a clear message: illegal trucking operations will not be tolerated in Caledon. We will continue to take decisive action against those who disregard our regulations and put our community at risk.”

Transport Guilbault Stands Strong for Mental Health: A Meaningful Night for Research

Source: Transport Guilbault

A powerful success for a cause that affects us all.

On Wednesday evening, the Transport Guilbault team had the privilege of taking part in a moving event dedicated to mental health, a cause that deeply matters to all of us.

Under the honorary chairmanship of Mr. Éric Gignac, President of Groupe Guilbault inc., the evening raised an impressive $110,100 to support the CERVO Foundation and research at the CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale.

One in five Canadians will be affected by a brain-related illness during their lifetime. Thanks to the unwavering commitment of the CERVO Foundation, every dollar donated can generate up to $10 in research grants.

A heartfelt thank you to our major donors, valued partners, and everyone who attended. Guilbault remains committed to standing behind the causes that truly matter — today and for future generations.

Photo credit: Stéphane Audet

From left to right: Sylvain Rouleau (Desjardins), Marie-Claude Lévesque (KPMG), Patrick Duchesne (CIUSSS-CN), Éric Gignac (Guilbault), Andréanne Sharp (CERVO Research Centre), Yves De Koninck (CIUSSS-CN & CERVO), Maryse Beaulieu (CERVO Foundation)

Festi-Truck Témiscamingue Unveils Its Board of Directors

Source: Festi-Truck du Témiscamingue

Lorrainville, April 3, 2025 — As the 2025 edition of Festi-Truck Témiscamingue approaches, organizers proudly presented their newly appointed board of directors, who will lead the planning and delivery of this exciting regional event.

From left to right in the official photo:

Simon Gélinas (representing the Municipality of Lorrainville), Jacques Lavigne, Guillaume Bergeron, Sylvain Brouillard, Marc Bernard, Maxime Boulianne, Jean-Matthieu Beaule, Daniel Murray, Stéphane Touzin, and Nathalie Goulet (representing the Municipality of Lorrainville).

The Festi-Truck will take place from August 15 to 17, 2025, in Lorrainville, and promises to be a spectacular edition featuring truck exhibitions, networking among enthusiasts, and plenty of festivities.

Organizers encourage the public to mark their calendars and stay tuned for upcoming announcements about the full schedule of events.

Monsef Derraji Introduces Bill to Crack Down on the “Chauffeur Inc.” Practice

Quebec City, April 3, 2025 — Monsef Derraji, Liberal MNA for Nelligan and Official Opposition Critic for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, tabled a bill today at the National Assembly aimed at putting an end to the “chauffeur inc.” scheme.

The proposed legislation would require the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) to enter into agreements with government ministries and agencies to enforce key laws such as the Taxation Act, the Act respecting Labour Standards, the Act respecting Occupational Health and Safety, and the Transport Act.

The bill targets a common practice in the trucking industry where employers classify drivers as incorporated workers to avoid paying payroll taxes, pension plan contributions, CNESST premiums, and group insurance benefits—measures that ultimately undermine worker protections and fair competition.

Earlier in the day, CAQ members refused to consider a petition signed by 2,255 citizens and submitted by Mr. Derraji on March 20, calling on the government to take action against the “chauffeur inc.” system.

“This is a first step that will help enforce important laws that ensure fairness among trucking companies and enhance road user safety. I hope the CAQ will see the positive intent behind this bill and agree to study it promptly,” stated Monsef Derraji.

Fatal Construction Site Accident: CNESST Discloses 2024 Investigation Results

Source: CNESST

To consult the investigation report:https://www.centredoc.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/pdf/Enquete/ed004437.pdf

Quebec City, April 3, 2025 — The CNESST (Commission for Standards, Equity, Health and Safety at Work) has released its investigation report on the July 9, 2024 fatal workplace accident involving a flagperson from McKinnon Multi-Services inc. on a construction site in Quebec City.

A preventable tragedy

The report confirms that the flagperson was coordinating traffic at a site exit when he was fatally struck by a semi-trailer truck during a left-hand turn maneuver. He had just guided a truck in reverse and moved to direct another vehicle when the accident occurred.

Three main causes were identified:

1. The flagperson moved into the swing area of the turning semi-trailer.

2. He was handling multiple traffic tasks at once in a hazardous area.

3. Poor traffic flow planning increased the risk of collision.

Immediate safety measures enforced

Following the accident, the CNESST suspended all truck movement and flagging operations on-site. Work resumed only after an engineer-approved traffic plan and safe delivery procedures were implemented and communicated to all workers.

Preventing future accidents

The CNESST recommends:

• Planning vehicle circulation to avoid reversing maneuvers.

• Ensuring flagpersons operate from safe positions and handle only one traffic direction.

• Avoiding multiple role assignments.

• Coordinating flagging operations with the site manager.

A webinar focusing on flagperson safety will be held on April 15, 2025, to further raise awareness on safe positioning and role responsibilities.

The report will be shared with unions, professional associations, and educational institutions to strengthen safety culture across the construction sector.

Press Briefing at the Job Fair – Saturday, April 5 at 8:40 AM

On Saturday, April 5, the 9th edition of the Job Fair will feature a highly anticipated press briefing at 8:40 AM. Organized by On the Road Québec, this event will mark a significant milestone in the evolution of the transport industry in Quebec. Carl and Francis, the event hosts, will introduce major innovations that will transform how job offers are displayed in this sector.

The press briefing, which will take place both in the exhibition hall and live on social media, will showcase two exciting new developments. These innovations aim to make job listings more accessible and dynamic for job seekers in the transport industry. Additionally, an important announcement regarding the future of the Job Fair will be made, raising expectations for upcoming editions.

Exhibitors are requested to finalize the setup of their booths by 8:40 AM to ensure the smooth running of this key event.

This promises to be a highlight of the day and a turning point for the job sector in Quebec. On the Road Québec invites all participants to be present and follow this announcement live.

l’Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge: Maintenance work underway on the bridge to prevent future closures

Source: Maintien et reconstruction du Pont de l’Île-aux-Tourtes

Maintenance work is currently taking place at several locations on the bridge to ensure its safety and long-term durability. Since January 2025, reinforcement operations have begun on the beams of span 33. Recent structural assessments have revealed the need for urgent interventions to minimize the risk of additional closures.

The work includes repairing damaged concrete on the beams and installing steel stirrups along the length of one of them, which requires additional reinforcement to ensure its structural integrity.

These efforts aim to keep traffic flowing safely and to prevent unexpected disruptions on this vital route. Authorities emphasize that these proactive measures are part of a long-term plan to extend the bridge’s service life while ensuring user safety.