News release

CTOA warns rising diesel prices, now exceeding $2.39 per litre in Toronto, are adding pressure to small carriers and independent operators already recovering from a prolonged industry downturn

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 30, 2026: The Canadian Truck Operators Association (CTOA) is raising concerns over rising diesel prices, warning that increasing fuel costs are placing renewed pressure on a trucking industry that is still in the early stages of recovery following a prolonged slowdown from 2022 through 2025.

Recent increases in global oil prices, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affecting key energy supply routes, are beginning to translate into higher diesel costs across Canada. For the trucking sector, where fuel remains one of the largest operating expenses, this trend is creating immediate financial strain, particularly for small and mid-sized carriers.

Diesel prices in major markets such as the Greater Toronto Area have recently exceeded $2.39 per litre, levels not seen since 2022. For many operators, this represents a significant increase in day-to-day operating costs.

While larger carriers may have mechanisms to manage fuel volatility, smaller fleets and independent operators often have limited ability to pass on sudden cost increases, creating immediate pressure on margins and cash flow.

“Canada’s trucking industry has gone through several difficult years, and many carriers are only now beginning to stabilize,” said Tej Dulat, spokesperson for CTOA. “A sudden increase in fuel costs at this stage creates real pressure for businesses that are already operating on thin margins. This is not about avoiding normal market cycles, it is about recognizing the impact of external cost shocks on an essential industry.”

A Fragile Recovery at Risk

The current increase in diesel prices comes at a sensitive time for the industry.

Between 2022 and 2025, Canadian trucking experienced a prolonged period of weak freight rates, excess capacity, and rising operational costs. Many small carriers and owner-operators managed this period by reducing expenses, deferring investments, and operating with minimal financial reserves.

While early signs of stabilization have begun to emerge in 2026, the recovery remains uneven. Rising fuel costs now risk slowing that recovery, particularly for operators with limited ability to absorb additional cost increases.

The View from the Ground

“I run four trucks out of the GTA. Fuel has gone from about $1,600 to $2,300 per truck, that’s a $700 increase every fill. I am transporting essential goods and can’t stop operating, but after three difficult years, there is very little left to absorb these costs. My line of credit is already stretched.”
Jagroop, CTOA member, Greater Toronto Area

“I have been operating for 14 years, and have never seen two pressures hit at the same time like this. After years of low freight rates, diesel is now above $2.40 with no clear timeline for relief. This goes beyond normal market conditions, it is a situation operators cannot plan for or control.
Singh, CTOA member, Hamilton

Broader Supply Chain Impact

The impact of rising diesel prices extends beyond the trucking industry. Trucking plays a central role in Canada’s economy, with the majority of goods transported by truck at some stage of the supply chain. As transportation costs increase, those costs can flow through to businesses and consumers in the form of higher prices for goods and services.

Fuel volatility therefore has implications not only for carriers, but for overall supply chain stability and affordability.

CTOA Encourages Consideration of Targeted Measures

CTOA is encouraging the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario to consider practical, short-term measures to support industry stability during periods of fuel volatility:

Temporary diesel tax relief for commercial carriers
Targeted bridge financing access for small carriers and owner-operators
Review and update of fuel surcharge mechanisms
Industry-government roundtable on trucking sector stability
Short-term flexibility in compliance implementation for small carriers

CTOA emphasizes that the industry is not seeking long-term subsidies, but targeted, short-term support to help stabilize an essential sector during a period of exceptional cost volatility.

Looking Ahead

CTOA will continue to monitor developments and engage with industry stakeholders to assess the impact of rising fuel costs across regions and business segments.

The association remains focused on supporting a stable, resilient trucking sector that can continue to meet the needs of Canada’s economy and supply chains.

This is not just a trucking issue, it is a national supply chain and economic security issue that requires coordinated action

Mississauga, ON (March 17) : The Canadian Truck Operators Association (CTOA) is planning to launch a national freight security initiative aimed at addressing the growing problem of cargo, trailer, and equipment theft across Canada.

Cargo theft has become an increasingly serious threat to trucking companies, freight brokers, shippers, insurers, and the broader Canadian supply chain. According to industry estimates and cargo security reports, cargo theft across North America has escalated significantly, with losses reaching approximately $725 million in 2025, representing a sharp increase from previous years.

With over 70% of Canada’s domestic freight moved by trucks, rising cargo theft is not just an industry concern, it is a growing supply chain security issue that can impact businesses, consumers, and economic stability across the country.

Canadian law enforcement and industry stakeholders have also reported increasing theft activity in key logistics regions, particularly in major freight corridors such as the Greater Toronto Area and Peel Region, where hundreds of incidents have been recorded in recent years.

Organized criminal networks are increasingly targeting high-value shipments using sophisticated tactics such as fraudulent carrier identities, fictitious pickups, and coordinated cargo theft operations. These developments reflect a growing concern that cargo theft is evolving into a more organized and systemic challenge affecting the transportation sector.

In response, CTOA has begun facilitating information sharing among its members regarding theft incidents, suspicious activities, and emerging patterns, helping carriers and drivers respond more quickly to potential threats.

Building on these efforts, CTOA is engaging with industry stakeholders, law enforcement agencies, insurers, technology providers, and government bodies as it prepares to develop a national information-sharing and coordination framework aimed at preventing cargo theft and improving recovery of stolen freight and equipment.

“Freight and trailer theft is no longer an isolated issue affecting a few companies, it is becoming a broader supply chain security challenge,” said Tej Dulat, CTOA. “CTOA has started working with our members to share information and raise awareness, and we are preparing to help lead a coordinated effort with industry partners, law enforcement, and policymakers to address this problem.”

“This is not just a trucking issue, it is a national supply chain and economic security issue that requires coordinated action,” Dulat added.

As part of the proposed initiative, CTOA is exploring several practical measures:

Improving real-time information sharing between trucking companies, brokers, insurers, and law enforcement
Developing an industry alert system to notify fleets and professional drivers of stolen freight, suspicious pickups, and emerging threats
Strengthening collaboration with federal, provincial, and municipal authorities on cargo theft investigations and enforcement
Promoting security awareness and prevention training for fleets, drivers, dispatchers, brokers, and warehouse personnel
Encouraging more consistent reporting and improved data collection related to cargo theft incidents

CTOA believes that stronger coordination between industry participants and public authorities can significantly improve both prevention and recovery efforts.

“Canada’s economy depends on a secure and reliable trucking network,” Dulat said. “By working together and sharing information more effectively, the industry and government can take meaningful steps to protect freight, strengthen supply chains, and reduce the impact of organized cargo theft.”

CTOA is committed to playing a leadership role in bringing together industry and public stakeholders to address this growing challenge and will be engaging partners in the coming weeks as it advances this initiative.

Media contact: To request comment or information from CTOA, Please email info@thectoa.ca

OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 23, 2026, The Canada Trucking Operators Association (CTOA) is raising awareness about mounting pressures in Canada’s long haul trucking sector, as member carriers report driver shortages that could affect supply chain reliability in the months ahead.

Member fleets, brokers report that some carriers are operating with up to a 15 percent shortfall in driver capacity. Few industry leaders say it is becoming harder to recruit and retain qualified long haul drivers, increasing the risk of service disruptions and higher logistics costs. In Q3 2025, Statistics Canada reported 11,600 vacant positions for transport truck drivers, underscoring the need for sustained workforce solutions.

Workforce Under Pressure: Racism, Discrimination, and Driver Retention

CTOA has received reports from racialized and newcomer drivers and fleet owners of increased racism, including discriminatory remarks, online hostility, and concerns that administrative enforcement and compliance activity may be applied unevenly or perceived as targeting individuals based on race or newcomer status.

New Canadian drivers make up a significant part of Canada’s trucking workforce and help maintain supply chain continuity. Reports of hate messages, targeted rhetoric on social media, unfair public scrutiny, and perceived unequal enforcement are creating concern within the industry. These pressures can discourage people from entering the sector and contribute to drivers leaving the industry, worsening workforce shortages.

CTOA affirms that no one keeping Canada’s supply chain moving should face racism or hostility for doing their job. The Association is calling for a national, solutions focused effort that promotes respect, professionalism, and dignity for transportation workers across Canada, including clear expectations for fair and consistent treatment in administrative and compliance processes.

Broader Supply Chain Impact

If current workforce pressures persist, driver shortages are likely to deepen. That will strain the movement of food and other essential goods, reduce reliability in long haul logistics, and increase delivery costs across the economy. Those costs ultimately show up in higher prices for Canadians and greater uncertainty for businesses that depend on timely freight.

“If we keep losing drivers, the impact will be felt everywhere,” said Tej Dulat, CTOA. “Food and essential goods do not move without a stable workforce. When capacity tightens, costs rise and Canadians pay the price. Protecting the supply chain means retaining experienced drivers, ensuring fair compensation, and fostering a professional environment where every driver is treated with respect, dignity, and free from racism or harassment.”

A Call for Collaboration

CTOA is calling on the federal government, working with provinces and industry, to:

Investigate systemic and targeted racism affecting racialized and newcomer drivers, including reported concerns about uneven or biased administrative and compliance treatment, and the impacts on retention
Promote respect for transportation professionals, with zero tolerance for racism and harassment
Ensure compliance and enforcement processes are clear, consistent, and fair, with practical requirements that do not create perceptions of uneven treatment
Provide clear, consistent guidance for incorporated drivers and owner operators so legitimate small operators can enter and remain in the sector without uncertainty

Canada’s trucking industry remains resilient, but resilience requires stable policy, professional respect, and coordinated action to keep goods moving and costs under control for Canadians.

About CTOA

The Canada Trucking Operators Association (CTOA) advocates for the safety, sustainability, and prosperity of Canada’s transportation professionals and the supply chain they support.

Canada_Truck_Operators_Association_Nearly_2_000_Attend_CTOA_Holi-5-1280x855.jpg

BRAMPTON, ON, Dec. 16, 2025: The Canada Truck Operators Association (CTOA) today hosted one of the largest grassroots trucking industry gatherings in the country, bringing together more than 2,000 attendees for its Holiday & Industry Appreciation Event, underscoring the strength, resilience, and unity of Canada’s trucking sector.

The event welcomed truck drivers, owner-operators, small and large fleet operators, industry partners, and community leaders from across Ontario an

d beyond, celebrating the essential role trucking plays in Canada’s economy and national supply chain.

Senior leaders from across political parties and levels of government attended the event, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Ontario Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria, Member of Parliament Iqwinder Gaheer, MPP Hardeep Grewal, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, members of Brampton City Council, Ontario Liberal MPP Adil Shamji, Ontario NDP Deputy Leader MPP Doly Begum, along with industry leaders from the logistics, banking, and financial sectors.

Trucking at the Core of Canada’s Supply Chain

CTOA highlighted that Canada’s supply chain depends on a strong trucking industry, and on the people behind the wheel, particularly long-haul drivers who spend extended periods away from their families and make significant personal sacrifices to keep goods moving.

National data underscore trucking’s central role in Canada’s economy. Trucking moves the majority of goods transported within Canada, hauling nearly 80 per cent of domestic freight by volume, and remains the primary mode for moving goods between manufacturers, retailers, ports, and communities. Road transportation also accounts for a substantial share of Canada’s international merchandise trade, which exceeds $1.5 trillion annually.

CTOA noted that its growing membership collectively represents thousands of trucks operating on Canadian roads every day, moving goods from coast to coast to coast, and supporting billions of dollars in economic activity each month. Behind every truck is a professional driver whose work is essential to the stability of Canada’s supply chains.

“Canada’s supply chain relies on real people, drivers who work long hours, often far from home, to ensure food, medicine, and essential goods reach communities across the country,” said Tejpreet Dulat, CTOA. “Their contribution deserves respect, dignity, and professional recognition.”

A Message of Unity and Collaboration

The CTOA Holiday & Industry Appreciation Event focused on unity, professionalism, and constructive engagement across the trucking industry. Speakers reflected on the industry’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, when truck drivers continued delivering essential supplies during periods of national uncertainty.

CTOA also acknowledged the City of Brampton for approving a motion recognizing the importance of truck drivers, noting that community-level recognition plays an important role in strengthening respect for the profession.

The presence of elected officials from multiple political parties highlighted broad, non-partisan recognition of the trucking industry’s importance to Canada’s economy, employment, and community wellbeing.

Premier Doug Ford: “The Backbone of Our Economy”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford thanked the trucking community for its contribution to Ontario and Canada.

“I just want to say thank you, thank you for everything you do for Ontario,” said Ford. “Without the trucking sector, goods don’t move from Point A to Point B. You are the backbone of our economy, the backbone of our infrastructure, healthcare, everything. It’s the hardworking men and women in trucking who keep our economy going, and we are incredibly grateful.”

Mayor Patrick Brown: ‘Shoulder to Shoulder with Trucking’

Speaking at the event, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, alongside Deputy Mayor Harkirat Singh and Councillor Gurpartap Singh Toor, emphasized Brampton’s role as a national logistics hub and expressed continued support for the trucking community.

“The City of Brampton will continue to work together with CTOA and raise the voices of the trucking community with our provincial and federal counterparts,” said Mayor Brown. “Brampton operates one of the largest logistics hubs in the country, and by passing this motion we sent a clear message, that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our trucking community. You haven’t just built our city, you’ve helped build this entire country.”

Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria: Commitment to Safety and Support

Ontario Minister of Transport, Prabmeet Sarkaria with MPP Commitment to Safety and Support (CNW Group/Canada Truck Operators Association)

Ontario Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria praised the scale of the event and reiterated the government’s commitment to working with the industry while maintaining a strong focus on safety.

“It’s incredible to see so many people from the trucking industry come together today for such a successful event,” said Sarkaria. “Trucking is the backbone of everything we rely on every single day. It is our responsibility as elected officials to support this industry, and I know everyone here agrees that safety must always come first.”

Referring to the industry’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sarkaria added:

“Peel Region is one of the largest logistics hubs in North America. During the pandemic, when many people were unable or unwilling to work, truck drivers kept goods moving during incredibly dangerous and uncertain times. We will always be thankful for that. Our government, and Premier Ford, continue to stand with the trucking industry, and we will remain shoulder to shoulder with CTOA.”

Member of Parliament Iqwinder Gaheer

Member of Parliament Iqwinder Gaheer said it was a privilege to stand with the trucking community and recognize their contribution to Canada’s economy.

“It is truly a privilege to stand here today with drivers, workers, and leaders from the trucking industry across the GTA,” said Gaheer. “Tonight, we are not just gathering for the holiday season, we are here to recognize the men and women who keep this province and our nation moving forward every single day.

You are the unsung heroes who literally drive our economy, our communities, and our future. Your dedication is the engine that keeps our supply chains strong and resilient.”

Ontario NDP Deputy Leader MPP Doly Begum, (CNW Group/Canada Truck Operators Association)

Ontario Liberal MPP Adil Shamji

Ontario Liberal MPP Adil Shamji praised the industry’s hard work and emphasized cross-party support for truck drivers.

“It gives me great pleasure to be here today at this incredible event, celebrating the hard work of everyone in the trucking industry,” said Shamji. “Across party lines, we recognize how essential this sector is, because nothing in our economy works until truckers work.

You are not just part of the economy, you are the economy. When truckers succeed, Ontario succeeds.”

About the Canada Truck Operators Association (CTOA)

The Canada Truck Operators Association (CTOA) is a national industry organization representing truck drivers, owner-operators, and fleets of all sizes. CTOA works to elevate ground-level voices, promote professionalism and safety, and support a strong, resilient, and collaborative trucking industry across Canada.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 10, 2025: The Canadian Truck Operators Association (CTOA) is expressing serious concern regarding two articles published by Le Journal de Montréal that misrepresented immigrant truck drivers, particularly Sikh drivers, and offered a distorted picture of Canada’s trucking industry. The articles singled out one private individual as the face of a national policy issue and relied almost exclusively on a single lobby group’s viewpoint, failing to reflect the diversity and complexity of Canada’s transportation sector.

Immigrant and Sikh truck drivers play a central role in Canada’s supply chain. They complete the same licensing, safety, and training requirements as all other commercial drivers and operate to high professional standards. These workers keep essential goods moving across the country every day. The articles failed to acknowledge this reality and instead used language that tied industry-wide safety issues to the cultural or newcomer background of drivers. This framing unfairly associated Sikhs and immigrant drivers with fraud, danger, or broader industry problems, and these claims were presented without evidence.

The coverage also ignored the perspectives of multiple trucking associations, safety experts, labour economists, and federal or provincial regulators. Canada’s trucking sector is complex and cannot be accurately understood through a single organization’s interpretation. Responsible journalism requires the inclusion of multiple viewpoints, especially when discussing safety, labour practices, and economic impacts.

Equally concerning is the lack of evidence-based analysis on road safety. The articles did not present verified data from enforcement agencies, did not explain inspection findings, and did not acknowledge the broader regulatory challenges facing the sector. Public conversations about safety must rely on facts, not generalized assumptions about newcomer communities.

Clarifying Misconceptions About Safety and Tax Issues

In recent discussions, there has been growing confusion between tax-compliance questions and road-safety concerns. A T4A or Driver Inc. classification does not cause accidents, failing to meet safety standards does. Mixing tax debates with safety issues misleads the public and distracts from the real work required to improve compliance and enforcement.

When political actors or media outlets blend these issues together, it creates unnecessary fear, stigmatizes communities, and undermines the morale of drivers who operate in some of the most remote and challenging parts of Canada. These narratives also risk weakening the supply chain by shifting attention away from practical, evidence-based safety improvements.

Call for Responsible Dialogue

The CTOA believes that both government and opposition parties have a responsibility to discourage divisive rhetoric and instead engage in constructive, fact-based dialogue with real stakeholders on the ground. Every province and territory faces unique industry conditions. A one-size-fits-all narrative driven by lobby groups does not reflect regional realities and contributes to the spread of misinformation.

Education, collaboration, and tailored provincial approaches are essential for achieving meaningful improvements in compliance and safety.

Closing Statement

“Fair and accurate reporting is a core responsibility of the media,” said the CTOA. “It is inappropriate to attribute industry-wide issues to cultural identity or newcomer status. Such portrayals mislead the public and have real consequences for workers and communities.”

The CTOA remains committed to working collaboratively with federal and provincial partners, trucking associations, and safety experts to improve working conditions, strengthen compliance, and advance road safety for all Canadians. We encourage media outlets to consult a full range of stakeholders and avoid narratives that stigmatize truckers and newcomer communities.

Media Relations: Canadian Truck Operators Association, info@canadatruckoperators.com

The Canada Truck Operators Association (CTOA) acknowledges the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA)

announcement lifting the moratorium on T4A penalties for the 2025 tax year and beyond.

Compliance and proper reporting are essential to maintaining a fair and competitive trucking industry.

We support transparency and the principle that all businesses should meet their tax obligations.

CTOA members are committed to meeting reporting requirements. However, many small carriers and

independent operators will require time, clarity, and structured guidance to integrate the new T4A

processes into their operations. To date, operators have received limited information about how drivers,

contractors, and businesses will be supported or educated prior to enforcement, creating uncertainty

during an already challenging economic period.

This announcement highlights the need for clear guidance, education, and a realistic transition approach

for the thousands of small and mid-sized carriers across Canada. For years, these businesses have

operated under inconsistent interpretations from both CRA and ESDC, often relying on accountants,

advisors, and previous CRA guidance when making classification decisions.

CTOA urges CRA to ensure:

A reasonable transition period so carriers can adjust systems and reporting obligations
Clear, accessible, and timely guidance, especially for small and newcomer-owned businesses
Avoidance of regional stereotypes, which unfairly stigmatize the Greater Toronto Area. one of Canada’s largest freight hubs and a critical engine of the national supply chain
Consistency between CRA and ESDC, to prevent conflicting interpretations and unintended penalties.
Direct outreach and communication to incorporated drivers, ensuring they understand their rights, obligations, and available supports.
Regular engagement with industry stakeholders throughout the rollout and implementation period

The trucking industry moves the Canadian economy. Compliance measures must be implemented in a

manner that strengthens, not destabilizes, the supply chain, particularly during a period of economic

pressure and U.S.-driven trade disruptions.

CTOA looks forward to working with government, industry partners, and the broader supply chain to

ensure fair, balanced, and practical implementation of these new requirements.

Canada Truck Operators Association (CTOA)

About CTOA

CTOA represents the full spectrum of Canada’s trucking workforce, independent drivers, owner-operators, and small,

medium, and large fleets across multiple provinces. Our membership reflects the modern Canadian trucking industry:

diverse, inclusive, and built on professionals from every corner of the sector.

Brampton, ON – The City of Brampton Council has officially passed a motion recognizing the critical importance of the trucking and logistics industry to Brampton, the Greater Toronto Area, and Canada’s national supply chain. The motion follows a delegation by the Canada Truck Operators Association (CTOA), which highlighted growing concerns among drivers, owner-operators, and local trucking companies.

Brampton is not just a city, it is the engine of Canada’s supply chain. Every day, trucks leaving Brampton and the Greater Toronto Area move millions of dollars in goods across Ontario, to every province, and into the United States. From groceries and medical supplies to building materials and electronics, much of it starts here.

Because of this, what is happening in the trucking industry today affects not only Brampton but the entire country.

CTOA spokesperson Tej Dulat thanked Mayor Patrick Brown and Brampton City Council for their leadership.

“Truck drivers, owner-operators, and small businesses are the backbone of our economy. We are grateful that Brampton City Council has acknowledged their contribution and the challenges they are facing. Our message is simple, we need fair treatment, clear communication, and respect for the people who keep Canada moving,” Dulat said.

Key Issues Raised in the Presentation

Economic Importance: Every household in Brampton and the Greater Toronto Area is directly or indirectly connected to trucking, whether through a family member, a neighbour, or a small business that relies on steady supply lines.

We cannot afford policies that ignore this reality. Millions of dollars in goods move through the region every day. Confusion, misleading campaigns, and misinformation around trucking regulations impact drivers, small businesses, and thousands of Brampton-area families.

Mixing Separate Issues: CTOA highlighted that national conversations have improperly mixed three very different policy areas, creating unnecessary confusion and fear:

Safety, which is a provincial responsibility.
Immigration and work permit, which fall under IRCC
Tax compliance for incorporated drivers, which is handled by the CRA

The CRA recently clarified that incorporation is legal, and not an offence. The issue is compliance, education, not criminality. During the Transport Committee meeting in Ottawa, the Deputy Commissioner of the Canada Revenue Agency stated:

“If you are a trucker incorporated, it is not an illegal model. You just need to pay your taxes, and you cannot make some of the deductions.”

Harmful Language: CTOA raised concerns about terms such as “illegal drivers” and “cheaters” being used in discussions. These terms have been widely amplified on social media and have caused stress, division, and declining morale among drivers. Many long-haul drivers and newcomers, who already work in difficult conditions, now feel unfairly targeted and afraid to speak publicly.

Impact on Brampton Families: With economic uncertainty, rising expenses, and new pressures caused by U.S. tariffs, the trucking industry is already strained. Negative narratives and unclear policies risk weakening the supply chain and pushing more drivers out of the profession. This directly affects affordability, jobs, and household stability across Brampton and the GTA.

Next Steps:

The CTOA is calling on Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation and federal counterparts to:

Treat safety, immigration, and tax compliance as distinct policy areas.
Condemn and avoid harmful terminology used by a few during committee meetings and on social media, such as “illegal drivers” or “cheaters,” and focus instead on fair and proper enforcement.
Engage directly with Ontario-based industry organizations, including those representing diverse communities and front-line drivers, before introducing future legislative or regulatory changes.

“Long haul drivers work long hours, spend weeks away from family, and face every kind of weather and challenge to keep shelves full and our economy strong. They deserve fairness and dignity, not stigma,” Dulat added.

About the Canada Truck Operators Association (CTOA)

The CTOA’s mission is to ensure all voices in the trucking industry are heard, including drivers, owner-operators, and small to large carriers. We believe in inclusive decisionmaking on policy, regulatory, and legislative issues, and in ensuring that those speaking for the industry reflect its diverse and rapidly growing workforce.

WHAT: Press conference highlighting the ongoing encampment protest of international student graduates fighting deportation and calling for immigration policy reform. Labour leaders and community organizations will stand in solidarity with these individuals, who are critical contributors to Canada’s economy, including the trucking industry.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: 295 Queen St. E, Brampton (off the 410, next to Zimidar Bar & Grill)

WHO:

Bob Punia, Executive Director, Ontario Dump Truck Association
Sarbjit Kaur, Canada Truck Operators Association
Laura Walton, President, Ontario Federation of Labour
Carolyn Egan, President, United Steelworkers Toronto Area Council
Jessica Cooper, President, Peel local of Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario
Simrat Kaur, International student graduate, PGWP Committee member
Mehakdeep Singh, International student graduate, PGWP Committee & Naujawan Support Network member

WHY: Over 200,000 international student graduates across Canada are at risk of deportation as their Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWPs) expire in 2024 and 2025. These individuals worked essential jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, including within the trucking sector, which is already facing critical labour shortages.

The Canada Truck Operators Association (CTOA), and Ontario Dump Truck Association (ODTA) alongside nearly 50 labour unions, stands with international student graduates, are deeply concerned about the impact of recent immigration policy changes on Canada’s trucking industry and the national economy. The trucking industry relies heavily on a skilled, diverse workforce—a need that immigration has consistently addressed. Without immediate action, these changes could worsen labour shortages and disrupt supply chains.

For More Information:

Contact: Sarbjit Kaur, KAPOW Communications

Sarbjit@kapowcomms.com

News release - CTOA

Canada’s Trucking Industry Faces a Double Crisis: Prolonged Freight Slowdown Followed by Rising Diesel Costs

CTOA Plans National Freight Security Initiative Amid Rising Cargo Theft Across Canada

CTOA Highlights Growing Driver Shortage and Calls for Collaborative Action to Protect Canada’s Supply Chain

Nearly 2,000 Attend CTOA Holiday & Industry Appreciation Event Highlighting Unity and Strength of Canada’s Trucking Industry

CTOA Responds to Misleading and Harmful Portrayal of Immigrant and Sikh Truck Drivers in Recent Montreal Media Coverage

CTOA Statement on CRA Announcement Regarding T4A Enforcement in the Trucking Sector

City of Brampton Passes Motion Supporting Trucking Industry and Independent Drivers

MEDIA ADVISORY – Trucking Associations Join Labour Leaders in Supporting International Student Graduates Fighting Deportation

Canada's Trucking Industry Faces a Double Crisis: Prolonged Freight Slowdown Followed by Rising Diesel Costs

Canada's Freight Market Is Entering a Period of Structural Change

CTOA Plans National Freight Security Initiative Amid Rising Cargo Theft Across Canada

Canada's Trucking Industry Faces a Double Crisis: Prolonged Freight Slowdown Followed by Rising Diesel Costs

Canada's Freight Market Is Entering a Period of Structural Change