To maintain the stability of the supply chain, the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) and the Government have been jointly communicating the importance of addressing the truck driver shortage in Canada, which worsened throughout the pandemic and was exacerbated by the expansion of the Driver Inc scheme. 

 The recent release of the Supply Chain Task Force’s recommendations, and the recent fall economic statement contain significant commitments to work with the trucking sector in relieving supply chain constraints.

 Today’s announcement by Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, confirming IRCCs implementation of the new National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 for immigration programs and trucking’s entrance in Express Entry programs, builds on this momentum by allowing the trucking industry much better access to drivers who want to work in our industry and settle in Canada permanently.  

 “Every sector of the Canadian economy relies on the trucking industry,” said CTA president Stephen Laskowski. “Today’s announcement by Minister Fraser will help secure supply chains – from agriculture to manufacturing – by providing trucking companies access to an international workforce that was not previously available to our sector.” 

 CTA looks forward to working with Minister Fraser to ensure that our sector has the access it needs to effectively tap into the international labour pool. 

 “It is equally important that, together, we ensure this new workforce arriving in Canada is employed by companies that will properly explain to them – and protect – their labour rights; ensure they operate safe, compliant, vehicles; and create an opportunity where their families can thrive and enjoy the benefits of working and living in our great nation,” said Laskowski.