The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) continues to call on the federal government to take decisive action against growing lawlessness in the trucking industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In its 2025 pre-budget submission, the Alliance is urging Ottawa to confront rampant labour violations, tax evasion, and regulatory gaps that are driving compliant carriers out of business and undermining Canada\u2019s supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the heart of CTA\u2019s submission are sweeping recommendations targeting systemic non-compliance across the industry. The Alliance points to enforcement data showing that nearly 65% of companies in certain segments are breaking federal labour laws \u2013 with widespread wage theft and labour abuse, denial of safe working conditions, and instances of forced labour becoming alarmingly normalized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is not just regulatory slippage \u2013 it\u2019s the breakdown of the rule of law in parts of our industry,\u201d said CTA president Stephen Laskowski. \u201cWhen companies can openly steal wages, deny paid sick leave, ignore safety laws, and easily rebrand to dodge penalties with no consequences, the message being sent is clear \u2013 that crime pays.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While CTA welcomed recent steps by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), including the creation of a misclassification enforcement team and an information-sharing agreement with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the Alliance insists that far more aggressive action is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Specifically, the CTA is calling for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere\u2019s growing concern in the industry that enforcement will never reach the required level because of political roadblocks within all three parties,\u201d Laskowski added. \u201cThat cannot stand. What\u2019s happening is the hollowing out of the legitimate economy and threatening the livelihoods of hard-working Canadians, who are already under significant pressure from tense trade relations with our biggest trading partner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond enforcement, the Alliance\u2019s pre-budget submission outlines broader recommendations to strengthen safety, oversight, and industry competitiveness. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWith trade talks front and centre throughout political circles, I wonder who decision makers think will carry all of our internal and international trade?\u201d asked Laskowski. \u201cIf the federal government is serious about supporting the supply chain, protecting workers, protecting businesses and ensuring fair competition, it’s hard to believe Ottawa doesn\u2019t agree that now is the time to act on these important measures.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CTA maintains these recommendations are necessary for the health of the trucking industry and the broader economy. With more than 300,000 Canadians employed in the sector and nearly every part of the economy relying on trucking, the Alliance warns that inaction is no longer an option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quick Links<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n CTA Pre-Budge Overview:\u00a0https:\/\/cantruck.ca\/cta-calls-for-urgent-action-in-2025-pre-budget-submission\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Permanent Full Expensing:\u00a0https:\/\/cantruck.ca\/cta-urges-permanent-full-expensing-to-maintain-industry-competitiveness\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n