CTOA Convenes 600+ Industry Leaders and Policymakers in Montréal to Advance Safety, Compliance, and Supply Chain Resilience

Event highlights trucking’s central role in Canada’s economy and reinforces the need for practical, real-world solutions across the industry

DOLLARD-DES-ORMEAUX, QC: – The Canada Truck Operators Association (CTOA) brought together more than 600 transportation and logistics professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders at a sold-out National Industry Appreciation & Information Session, marking one of the largest recent gatherings of Canada’s trucking sector.

The event convened stakeholders from Québec and Ontario for focused discussions on supply chain resilience, operational realities, safety, and the evolving needs of Canada’s transportation industry.

Trucking at the Center of Canada’s Economy

Frank Baylis, Canadian business leader and former Member of Parliament, emphasized the foundational role of trucking in the national economy.

Keynote speaker Frank Baylis, Canadian business leader and former Member of Parliament, emphasized the foundational role of trucking in the national economy.

“Trucking is not just a sector, it is the backbone of Canada’s economy,” said Baylis, highlighting the importance of long-term infrastructure investment and strategic planning to support national growth and competitiveness.

Government Leaders Emphasize Collaboration and Industry Engagement

Federal and provincial leaders underscored the importance of collaboration between government and industry stakeholders.

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, acknowledged the importance of a coordinated industry voice:

“A strong and organized industry voice is essential in ensuring that key challenges and opportunities are addressed.”

Peter Schiefke, MP, Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, reinforced the sector’s national significance:

“When trucking moves, Canada moves… This gathering reflects the strength of the transportation and logistics sector and its critical role in keeping our economy moving.”

Peter Schiefke, MP, Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, reinforced the sector’s national significance: Additional officials in attendance included MP Sameer Zuberi, MNA Brigitte B. Garceau, and Mayor Alex Bottausci, reflecting engagement across all levels of government.

From Challenges to Practical Solutions

The symposium featured two solution-focused panels addressing:

Managing Risk, Costs & Growth in Trucking: Insurance, Financing, AI & data-driven insights
Building a Safer Trucking Industry – Maintenance, Responsibility & Practical Solutions

Panel discussion Building a Safer Trucking Industry in Canada - Maintenance, Responsibility & Practical Solutions — Building a Safer Trucking Industry – Maintenance, Responsibility & Practical Solutions

Discussions focused on practical, real-world solutions, including:

The growing role of technology and data in managing risk and improving efficiency
The importance of preventive maintenance and strong operational discipline
Addressing driver well-being and ongoing workforce pressures
Strengthening long-term stability through better industry practices

A Ground-Level Perspective on Industry Representation

In opening remarks, CTOA emphasized the importance of ensuring that policy conversations reflect the realities on the ground.

“When trucking moves, Canada moves, yet the voices of the people operating on the ground have not always been fully heard at the national level,” CTOA leadership noted.

Tejpreet (Tej) Dulat “This industry is evolving, and our approach must evolve with it,” said Tej Dulat, representing CTOA leadership. “Businesses want clarity, workers want opportunity, and everyone wants to operate within a system that is fair, practical, and consistent. CTOA’s role is to help bring those realities into the conversation in a constructive and responsible way.”

Adapting to a Changing Industry

The event also highlighted broader changes shaping the transportation sector, including:

Shifting workforce expectations
Increased use of digital tools and technology
The need for approaches that reflect how today’s operators and businesses function

Participants emphasized that long-term workforce sustainability will depend on the industry’s ability to adapt while maintaining strong standards around safety and compliance.

A Sector That Powers Canada

With nearly 70% of goods in Canada transported by truck, the sector remains a critical pillar of the national economy and supply chain.

Participants reinforced the importance of:

Continued infrastructure investment
Aligning policy with operational realities
Maintaining strong safety and compliance standards
Supporting a diverse and evolving workforce

Looking Ahead

CTOA will continue to engage with policymakers and stakeholders across Canada to support a stable, competitive, and forward-looking transportation sector, with a focus on practical solutions, industry collaboration, and long-term sustainability.

Media Contact

Canada Truck Operators Association (CTOA)
info@thectoa.ca
www.thectoa.ca

CTOA noted that a coordinated approach across federal and provincial governments could further enhance the effectiveness of recent measures.

MISSISSAUGA, ON / April 14/ : The Canadian Truck Operators Association (CTOA) welcomes the federal government’s announcement to temporarily suspend the federal fuel excise tax on diesel and gasoline, calling the measure a constructive and timely step that will provide short-term relief to trucking operators facing renewed fuel cost pressures.

The federal government has indicated that the temporary measure will take effect on April 20 and remain in place until September 7, 2026. The suspension is expected to reduce diesel prices by approximately 4 cents per litre and is intended to help lower operating costs for truckers and businesses across key sectors of the economy.

CTOA raised concerns on March 30 regarding rising diesel prices, exceeding $2.39 per litre in parts of the Greater Toronto Area, and the impact on small carriers and independent operators still recovering from a prolonged freight slowdown between 2022 and 2025.

“We are encouraged to see this announcement align with concerns raised by trucking operators and industry stakeholders in recent weeks,” said Tej Dulat, spokesperson for CTOA. “CTOA has been actively highlighting the impact of rising fuel costs on small carriers, and this decision represents a constructive step toward addressing those pressures.”

“For many small carriers and owner-operators, every cent matters. This measure will provide meaningful short-term relief and signals that government recognizes the challenges facing an essential industry that keeps Canada’s economy and supply chains moving.”

Relief Comes Amid Fragile Recovery

While the measure is expected to provide immediate cost relief, CTOA emphasizes that many operators remain in a fragile recovery phase following several years of, Weak freight rates, Excess capacity, Rising insurance and maintenance costs

For smaller operators in particular, limited financial reserves and ongoing cost pressures continue to impact day-to-day operations.

“This is a positive and responsible step,” Dulat added. At the same time, many smaller operators are still stabilizing after several difficult years. We see this as an important first measure, and we look forward to continued engagement with government on practical ways to support sector stability.”

Ensuring Effective Impact

CTOA also noted that the effectiveness of the measure will depend on how efficiently fuel cost reductions are reflected across the supply chain.

To maximize the impact of this decision, it will be important that fuel cost reductions are clearly reflected at the pump so that operators and consumers can fully benefit, Dulat said.

Coordinated Approach Across Jurisdictions

CTOA noted that a coordinated approach across federal and provincial governments could further enhance the effectiveness of recent measures.

“We welcome the federal government’s leadership on this issue,” Dulat said. There may be an opportunity for provinces to consider similar short-term measures within their jurisdictions to further support small carriers and ensure more consistent relief across the country.”

Continued Focus on Industry Stability

CTOA is encouraging continued dialogue on additional targeted measures that can support small carriers and owner-operators, including:

Review and modernization of fuel surcharge mechanisms
Improved access to short-term working capital
Industry-government roundtable on trucking sector stability

“This is not about long-term subsidies,” Dulat said. It is about ensuring that small operators have the ability to remain stable and competitive during periods of cost volatility.”

Broader Economic Importance

Canada’s trucking sector plays a central role in the movement of goods across the country. Cost pressures in transportation can have broader impacts on supply chains, business costs, and affordability for consumers. CTOA will continue to monitor developments and engage constructively with policymakers and industry stakeholders to support a stable, resilient, and competitive trucking sector.

Media Contact

Canadian Truck Operators Association (CTOA)
📧 info@thectoa.ca
🌐 www.thectoa.ca

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