Group wants end to mandatory medical tests for drivers over age of 75

EDMONTON — A group pushing for an end to mandatory medical tests for drivers over 75 says it has reason to hope after a meeting with Alberta’s new transportation minister.

The Elder Advocates of Alberta Society sat down Tuesday morning with new minister Wayne Drysdale and gave him a massive briefing package arguing that the tests are ageist and unfair.

Spokeswoman Ruth Adria says while he didn’t make any commitments to scrap the policy, Drysdale did make one promise that leaves her optimistic — that he would go through the package himself.

However, Adria says Drysdale did tell her that similar policies are currently being drafted by the Alberta Motor Association and Alberta Health Services, which Adria admits is worrisome.

Adria says it’s silly that the province is spending millions monitoring what are statistically Alberta’s safest drivers.