THUNDER BAY — A popular social media site that brought attention to instances of unsafe driving in Northern Ontario is back online.
The Facebook group Highway 11/17 Kills People has resumed operation under the umbrella of Truck Stop Canada and Truck Stop Québec.
Those two platforms were founded by Benoit Therrien.
"Truck Stop Québec/Canada has always prioritized the safety of truck drivers and the well-being of the industry," Therrien said in announcing the takeover of the management of the page previously overseen by Patrick Leblanc and his partners.
They had stopped publishing new posts on Highway 11/17 Kills People in August.
"Taking over this group is our way of showing that we're here for those who travel these roads every day... We want to keep the focus on safety along Highways 11 and 17, while also addressing critical issues like driver training, infrastructure improvements, and the responsibility of transport companies for the safety of everyone on these roads," Therrien said.
In an interview Wednesday, he said the response to the resumption of the Facebook page was immediate and positive.
"It's a big place to share information...We've had a lot of private messages. It's crazy. I don't know why, but people like to talk about their story on Highway 11 and Highway 17."
He said he and his partners also plan to speak out against the "Driver Inc." model under which trucking firms hire drivers who have incorporated, thereby allowing them to avoid paying benefits because these drivers are not considered employees.
He said their reduced costs enable them to undercut other companies in bidding for shipping contracts.
"We want to fight for more secure roads, more secure jobs, and inform people coming from overseas to get paid legally, and not used as a slave here in Canada."
Sophie Jacob, editor and researcher for Truck Stop Québec/Canada, said corruption in driver training and the issue of incorporated drivers are impacting the health of trucking firms, road safety and the daily commutes of Northern Ontario residents.
"We feel a duty to act," she said. "I encourage people to participate, share information with us...and we'll continue to highlight the issues that are weakening the trucking industry."