Effective Sept. 9, 2019 the prohibition on cross-border operations between Canada and the US for these drivers has been removed. Accordingly, SGI is removing the W restriction on the licences of insulin-dependent CMV drivers.

This update is the result of a Sept. 19, 2018 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) ruling that permits an individual with a stable insulin regimen and properly controlled insulin-treated diabetes mellitus to be qualified to operate a CMV in the United States. The FMCSA and Transport Canada have exchanged letters to update the December 1998 Agreement under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) for reciprocal recognition of medical fitness requirements for CMV operators.

The original agreement signed in 1998 prohibited Canadian domiciled commercial drivers who are insulin-dependent from operating in the United States. Similar prohibitions were in place for US-domiciled drivers not being able to operate in Canada. As a result of the exchanged letters the reciprocity agreement was amended and the prohibition removed. The remaining provisions of the agreement are not affected by this amendment.

In response to this change, SGI has identified drivers with a W restriction for insulin-dependent diabetes and is sending a new driver’s licence and letter informing them that the W restriction is being removed. If you have a driver who has not yet received a letter and would like the W restriction removed, please have them contact SGI’s Medical Review Unit.

If you have any questions, contact SGI’s Medical Review Unit in Regina at (306) 775-6176 or 1-800-667-8015 ext. 6176 or mruinquiries@sgi.sk.ca.