The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) today appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health and provided on overview of the trucking industry’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak from the early days to possible next steps in working with the federal government on policy issues.
“From day-one, the Government of Canada has worked collaboratively with CTA to navigate the everchanging policy landscape in response to COVIID-19 and its impact on the Canadian economy,” said CTA president Stephen Laskowski, via video conference. “We look forward to continuing to work with all federal departments and the provinces to ensure the trucking industry can continue to be ready to support Canadians and businesses as we attempt to emerge from the COVID-19 crisis.”
CTA highlighted many examples of support the trucking industry has received from Ottawa and provincial governments including issues related to insurance coverage, licensing, permits, regulatory flexibility, essential service designations, driver treatment, keeping the border open to truck drivers, sectoral essential worker designation, as well as PPE sourcing and other policies since the start of the pandemic.
CTA told the committee the Alliance looks forward to participating on the COVID-19 Supply Council and providing input to policy discussions. CTA also reminded the committee of the economic hardship COVID-19 has caused the trucking industry and pressed for specific relief measures for the sector.
“A coalition of trucking interests all agree that a zero-interest loan program involving payroll tax remittance will inject some needed cash-flow into companies facing some very significant challenges,” said Laskowski. “Due to the high cost of food on the road, CTA is also asking the Government of Canada to adjust the meal allowance for all drivers.”
Members of the coalition continue to discuss these and other issues with the federal government, added Laskowski.