New training requirements for those wishing to drive a semi in agriculture operations will be phased in starting next year.

The changes follow the implementation of 121.5 mandatory training hours for Class 1 commercial semi drivers that came into effect March 15, 2019.

Minister Joe Hargrave on why the farm industry was open to the idea. 

"You know all the farm industry thought training was good, there 99 percent behind it, they thought training was an investment, you know its not just an expense its actually an investment and there looking towards the future as well they know that are roads in Saskatchewan roads need to be safe, you know especially after that tragedy of the Humboldt crash."

He also commented on how much access farmers will have for training.

"Well there all private training schools, but there's 24 in the province so there will be access pretty well throughout the province wherever they wanna get it, we think there will be more wherever there is the man, of course, there's the private enterprise, training schools they'll go there."

Anyone who obtained a Class 1 license before mandatory training was implemented is allowed to continue to drive a semi. 

For more information, you can also check out Safety On The Roads Is Priority For Ag Sector