As I sit in a Drive Test parking lot waiting for my newly turned 16-year-old daughter to complete her G1 test, a number of things cross my mind. Line-ups, line-ups and another line after that. With my older kids, as many of you have done, I was able to walk in with them, take a corner seat and patiently wait for their nerves to subside while taking these first steps to independence. Thanks to our new COVID-19 reality, all of that has changed. I waited outside with her as the office opened at 7 a.m. while the line behind us steadily grew. The staff member provided her with a number, pointed to the door, and off she went. Shortly thereafter, I received a text that said, ‘mum, I am so nervous in here, I can’t remember our postal code’. 

You may be wondering where I am going with this? I don’t need to tell any person reading this that the past 18 months have been unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. If you tell me that COVID-19 has not affected you in some way, I will smile and nod, but I will also know that you’re lying. Over the summer, I’ve had fantastic opportunities to meet our members and every time I get to an office or job site, I complete the required COVID-19 screening and thank the staff for their time and attention. In return, I’ve received sincere apologies for the delays due to the screening process, or having to change masks, or don additional PPE.

What is my point? Very simply, I’m thankful to have the opportunity to get out and see you, and I wouldn't mind waiting in an hour-long line to do that. I appreciate the incredible processes and procedures that the LOC’s Champions have put in place to keep their staff, sites and offices safe. Through every step of COVID-19, our industry has continued to demonstrate an incredible ability to deal with adversity, to adapt, and to change direction on the fly with confidence, integrity and leadership. I am very proud to be a part of this incredible association and look forward to every new step as we continue to grow.

If you have not had the chance to meet the LOC staff, please contact Judith directly at judith@theloc.ca to discuss opportunities. We look forward to seeing you.

By the way, my daughter passed her test.