"In light of an acute labour shortage and a strained supply chain, this is very welcomed news for our industry and by extension the Canadian economy," said Jonathan Blackham, CTA Director of Public Affairs. 

CTA has been calling on the Government of Canada to help address our sector's growing labour shortages by working with our industry to improve access to immigration channels. This announcement is very timely and absolutely welcomed by the trucking industry.” 

Express Entry is an online system that is used to manage immigration applications from skilled workers and is specifically designed for skilled immigrants who want to settle in Canada permanently and take part in our economy. While there are still some details to work out, CTA is very optimistic that access to this new channel will make it easier for trucking companies, perspective drivers, and those already here through other immigration programs to make Canada and the trucking industry their new home. 

In addition to this new program, CTA continues to work with other departments, such as Employment and Social Development Canada, to help bolster the industry's access to funds to support training. This includes heavily supporting proposals from other key industry groups, such as Trucking HR Canada, for training focused funding opportunities. 

"Over the past several months, CTA has discussed with the Government of Canada how we think the Government can help stabilize the trucking industry's labour force," said Blackham. "Improving the industry's access to key immigration programs was one of those asks and CTA would like to thank the Government of Canada for working with us to make this happen."

The Alliance will be working to help finalize the details and provide members with educational sessions on how they might use the Express Entry Program. CTA expects the details will be finalized over the coming months and industry could be fully eligible for participation before the end of 2022.