Temporary Foreign Worker Program in Trucking: A System Ripe for Abuse

Jun 10, 2025

A long-haul truck on a Canadian highway, symbolizing the growing reliance on foreign labour in the trucking industry.

Federal data reveals a growing concern in Canada’s trucking industry: a disproportionate number of violations under the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program originate from the sector itself.

Since 2020, over 80 violations involving trucking companies have been documented—accounting for more than 10% of all TFW-related infractions across all industries. Alarmingly, more than half of the fines issued to these companies remain unpaid.

Despite the severity of the penalties, many of the sanctioned companies continue to operate on Canadian roads. Due to the absence of a federal mechanism to automatically suspend a company’s operating license, these sanctions only restrict access to the TFW Program. As long as they comply with other applicable laws, companies can legally remain active—even if they’ve failed to pay fines or have a history of mistreating foreign workers.

Some companies have faced significant penalties. One Manitoba-based carrier was fined $258,000 and barred from the program for five years. In Ontario, Brampton-based Samhil Logistics was fined $100,000 and issued a ten-year exclusion.

Other carriers in Alberta and British Columbia have also accumulated numerous violations, mainly for failing to provide required documentation during inspections.

Ontario is not immune to this troubling trend. In addition to the companies already penalized, the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) reports a sharp rise in open work permits granted to foreign drivers—often issued when workers attempt to flee abusive employers. Between January and March 2025, 435 such permits were issued, compared to just 45 during the same period in 2024—a staggering 867% increase. This surge points to a broader climate of distress among foreign drivers.

Stephen Laskowski, president of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), argues that the system is in urgent need of reform, not abandonment. He recommends a strict accreditation process for employers before they are allowed to recruit foreign workers, coupled with ongoing compliance audits. Repeat offenders, he says, should even lose their right to operate commercial vehicles in Canada.

Some companies—such as Eassons Transport, based in Nova Scotia—prove the system can work ethically. With about 70% of its drivers recruited internationally, Eassons handles the entire hiring process in the workers’ home countries, including interviews, road tests, and biometric data collection. The company has condemned the exploitative practices of intermediaries that charge workers up to $50,000 in fees that should be covered by the employer.

Industry leaders agree on the need for higher standards and stronger oversight. Pilot programs, like Nova Scotia’s initiative to certify trusted employers, could serve as a national model.

The goal is clear: to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation while maintaining a legal, reliable pathway to address the ongoing labour shortage in the trucking sector.

The current system is far too lenient. To truly protect foreign workers—and, by extension, preserve the integrity of Canada’s trucking industry—companies found guilty of serious abuse must face the harshest penalties, including the loss of their right to operate. After all, those exploiting the TFW Program are often the same ones misusing the Driver Inc. loophole, fuelling unfair competition across the transport sector.

Canadian Trucking Alliance Urges Ottawa to Better Regulate the Hiring of Foreign Students and Temporary Workers

NDP MPPs Introduce Northern Highway 11 and 17 Safety Act, 2025

sophie

Jun 9, 2025

Three New Democratic Party Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) representing Northern Ontario have tabled a bill to boost safety on Highway 11 and 17, a crucial yet hazardous corridor.

Guy Bourgouin (Mushkegowuk–James Bay), John Vanthof (Timiskaming–Cochrane) and Lise Vaugeois (Thunder Bay‑Superior North) aim to reduce daily risks faced by all road users, including truck drivers.

“Highways are a lifeline in the North. Residents of Northern Ontario deserve the same level of highway safety and oversight as any other part of the province,” said Bourgouin. “This bill is about saving lives and ensuring our communities are not treated as second-class citizens.”

For Mr. Vanthof, it’s common sense:

“This is a commonsense, non-partisan issue. For too long, Northern Ontarians have had to live with risk that would never be tolerated elsewhere. We need to take action before more lives are lost on roads that are essential to our communities, industries, and First Nations.”

Suzanne Kukko, mayor of Nipigon, supports the initiative.

“As a non-partisan Northern mayor, I support this private bill. In the North we see many serious accidents caused by commercial vehicles. With better checks and balances proposed through this bill, there’s no question it would save lives.”

The bill — officially titled the Northern Highway 11 and 17 Safety Act, 2025 — was introduced for first reading in the Ontario legislature on June 4, 2025.

Key proposed measures include:

Mandatory operation of weigh stations and inspection sites for at least 12 hours daily;
Strengthened enforcement of the Highway Traffic Act;
Return of winter maintenance on Highways 11/17 under direct responsibility of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO);
Requirement for MTO‑certified examiners to conduct commercial truck driving tests.

This legislative effort addresses long-standing safety concerns on this major Northern Ontario route—and key segment of the Trans‑Canada Highway—which has often been criticized for its dangers.

Video : facebook.com/guybourgouinmjb

Ontario’s Highway 11-17: Crashes, Broken Lives… and Government Neglect

Understanding Engine Oils: Synthetic vs. Conventional

sophie

May 19, 2025

In the realm of engine oils, the distinctions between synthetic and conventional types are key to optimizing engine performance. Synthetic oils are crafted from more highly refined base oils, which results in fewer impurities and better performance across temperature extremes.

They exhibit a higher Viscosity Index (VI), indicating more stable viscosity changes with temperature fluctuations. This stability translates to superior performance at both low and high temperatures, allowing oils like Shell Rotella T6 to maintain better low temperature pumpability while protecting engine components at high temperatures.

Synthetic oils are particularly beneficial for specific operating conditions due to their enhanced oxidation stability, which extends oil life, especially under severe high-temperature engine conditions. These oils are ideal for extended oil drain intervals and when prioritizing fuel efficiency.

Synthetic blend oils, such as Shell Rotella T5, offer a middle ground between conventional and full synthetic oils. They provide enhanced protection and fuel economy, making them suitable for vehicle fleets operating over wide ambient temperature ranges and for those adhering to most OEM recommendations. These blends combine the best of both oil types to suit diverse operating environments.

Check this out on the Shell Rotella website.

Spring Truck Maintenance: A Seasonal Refresh for Heavy-Duty Trucks

Cargo Theft: The Invisible Threat Straining America’s Supply Chain

sophie

May 14, 2025

Cargo theft is on the rise as well-organized criminal networks increasingly target the U.S. supply chain. According to a six-month investigation by CNBC, these groups are hitting trucks, warehouses, and rail cars across the country.

In 2024, nearly 3,800 thefts were reported—a 26% increase over the previous year. Experts estimate that annual losses may approach $1 billion, though officially reported damages hover around $455 million.

A Shift Toward Strategic Cargo Theft

The threat is no longer limited to physical heists. Criminals are now turning to “strategic theft,” using fake documents and impersonating legitimate carriers to fraudulently divert entire truckloads. This form of theft accounted for a third of all cargo thefts in 2024, up from just 8% in 2020. These schemes often originate overseas and exploit vulnerabilities in logistics technology, making them difficult to trace and stop.

The consequences for businesses are substantial. Companies such as Lacoste, Meta, and Lululemon have seen disruptions in their supply chains, leading to delivery delays, product shortages, and unmet customer demand. Barry Conlon, a transportation security expert, points out that thieves typically target perishable goods, consumer products, and electronics—commodities that are hard to track once stolen and easy to resell or destroy.

A Challenge to Catch the Criminals

Investigating these crimes is complicated, especially when fraudsters operate from abroad. Like identity theft, there is often no trail to follow. According to Jordan Graft, CEO of cybersecurity firm Highway, his company blocked over 914,000 fraud attempts last year—most originating from six countries: India, Mexico, Moldova, Pakistan, Serbia, and Uzbekistan. Many logistics companies point to the limited resources of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which struggles to combat such sophisticated cybercrime.

To respond, companies are investing heavily in prevention. TQL, one of the largest freight brokers in the U.S., has spent $4 million on fraud detection technologies. DAT Freight and Analytics employs a 25-person team dedicated to monitoring suspicious activity on its platform. Highway also tracks suspicious changes to carrier profiles in real-time. Still, as tactics evolve, staying ahead of the fraudsters becomes increasingly complex.

Policymakers Step In

The severity of the situation has prompted legislative action. A bipartisan bill, the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, would create a national coordination center within the Department of Homeland Security to combat cargo theft. Another proposal, the Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act, would grant the FMCSA greater authority to impose civil penalties and tighten regulations on fraudsters. Until these measures are passed, shippers, brokers, and carriers must remain on high alert.

Canada Facing a Similar Surge in Cargo Theft

The cargo theft crisis is not limited to the United States. In Canada, Ontario accounted for 85% of reported cargo theft incidents in 2024. According to Truck News, electronics made up 31% of stolen cargo, followed by construction materials and auto parts (17% each), food and beverages (7%), and tobacco (7%). High-risk areas include unsecured parking lots, truck stops, and distribution centers.

Canada has also seen a rise in strategic theft, mirroring trends in the U.S. Criminals are using false identities, fraudulent paperwork, and even stolen trucks to gain unauthorized access to freight. A striking example occurred at Toronto’s Pearson Airport in April 2023, when thieves used falsified documents to steal over $20 million in gold and currency. In Quebec, there have been reports of individuals attempting to access secure transport yards with fake IDs or paperwork—further evidence that the threat extends nationwide.

This North American trend highlights the urgent need for enhanced security practices across the industry. Transport and logistics companies must adopt advanced tracking technologies, improve verification procedures, and provide robust training for staff and drivers to stay one step ahead of organized crime.

No Patrolling by Contrôle Routier Québec’s Agents on Highways Until 2026?

Safety Recalls Issued for Volvo and Freightliner Trucks

sophie

May 14, 2025

Volvo Trucks and Daimler Truck North America have recently issued safety recalls on Transport Canada’s website, affecting specific units in their respective fleets.

Volvo Trucks and Daimler Truck North America have recently issued safety recall notices on Transport Canada’s website, affecting specific units in their respective fleets.

These recalls aim to address defects that could compromise safety or regulatory compliance. Below is a summary of the affected models and the specific issues that led to the recalls.

VOLVO VN 2025

Transport Canada Recall # 2025-214
Manufacturer Recall Number RVXX2504

Issue:
On certain trucks, the turbo idler gear bracket fasteners may not have been tightened properly. As a result, the turbo could fail and cause the engine to stall. If this happens, there could be a loss of power to the wheels.

Safety Risk:
A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Actions:
Volvo will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your truck to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the turbo.

VOLVO VN 2023, 2024, 2025

Transport Canada Recall # 2025-175
Manufacturer Recall Number RVXX2503

Issue:
On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the backlight for the hazard light switch not to work, or to turn off while driving. As a result, you may not be able to see the switch in low light conditions.

Safety Risk:
A hazard light switch that is difficult to see could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Actions:
Volvo Trucks will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your truck to a dealership to update the vehicle master control unit software.

FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 2024, FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA 2024, 2025, 2026

Transport Canada Recall # 2025-040
Manufacturer Recall Number F1017

Issue:
On certain electric trucks, the electric vehicle power distribution module (EVDM) may not have been assembled properly. As a result, the connector could separate from the module. If this happens, there could be a loss of power to the wheels. Additionally, certain driver assist functions may not work.

Note: This recall only affects certain eCascadia and eM2 models.

Safety Risk:
A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Actions:
Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your truck to a DTNA authorized service facility to inspect and, if necessary, reinforce or replace the electric vehicle power distribution module.

Volvo Trucks Recall on Nearly 20,000 Vehicles

Canadian Trucking Alliance Urges Ottawa to Better Regulate the Hiring of Foreign Students and Temporary Workers

sophie

May 14, 2025

Canadian Trucking Alliance Urges Ottawa to Better Regulate the Hiring of Foreign Students and Temporary Workers

Following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first post-election press conference, during which he announced plans to cap the number of international students and temporary foreign workers, the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) is calling for a more comprehensive reform of immigration policies.

The CTA insists that future federal decisions should not rely solely on numerical limits. According to the organization, more attention must be paid to how newcomers are integrated into the labor market, the industries in which they are employed, and, most importantly, the practices of the employers who hire them.

The Alliance warns of troubling trends observed in parts of the trucking sector, where labor laws and minimum standards are not always upheld—as evidenced by ongoing abuses under the so-called Driver Inc. scheme.

The CTA’s president reiterates that immigration remains a vital solution to Canada’s truck driver shortage. However, this solution must not come at the expense of workers’ rights. The organization reports that cases of abuse—and even forced labor—continue to surface in the industry, and that urgent action is needed to put a stop to them.

A Program for Recognized Employers?

To address these concerns, the CTA is urging the federal government to work with the trucking industry to establish a mandatory recognized employer program.

Such a program would match labor needs with trucking companies that follow employment laws and ethical standards. It would also help protect foreign workers from exploitation by certain immigration consultants, driving schools, and fleet owners who take advantage of loopholes in a flawed immigration system.

The Alliance also references recent investigative reports that have exposed cases of exploitation involving foreign workers in the transport industry. In their view, these reports reflect just the tip of the iceberg in a much broader issue—both in Canada and globally.

The CTA plans to intensify its advocacy with both the Canadian and U.S. governments to crack down on abusive practices across the trucking supply chain. The ultimate goal: to clean up the system, protect workers, and restore public trust in the industry.

The Quebec Association of Artisan Truckers (ANCAI) Plan Major Protest on May 14

Spring Truck Maintenance: A Seasonal Refresh for Heavy-Duty Trucks

sophie

May 14, 2025

Spring Truck Maintenance: A Seasonal Refresh for Heavy-Duty Trucks, with Shell Rotella!

Spring Truck Maintenance: A Seasonal Refresh for Heavy-Duty Trucks | As winter gives way to spring, now is the perfect time to inspect and maintain your truck to ensure it’s in top condition for the warmer months ahead. Harsh winter weather can take a toll on various components, so a thorough seasonal checkup can help prevent costly repairs and keep your truck running efficiently.

A good place to start is by giving your truck a complete wash, including the undercarriage, to remove dirt and road salt that can lead to corrosion. Pay special attention to your lights—corroded contacts are common after winter exposure, so check that all lights function properly.

Don’t overlook your windshield wiper blades, which can wear out quickly during winter. Replacing them with heavy-duty blades designed for trucks will help maintain visibility in spring showers. Also, inspect your tires for proper inflation and tread wear. Well-maintained tires not only extend tire life but also contribute to fuel efficiency.

On the steer axle, check for even tire wear across the tread. Uneven wear could indicate an alignment issue or a problem with the suspension that should be addressed promptly.

A clean air filter is essential for optimal engine performance and fuel economy, so inspect and replace it if necessary. Additionally, check all fluid levels and ensure they are at the proper levels. Carrying a spare fuel filter is a smart precaution in case a replacement is needed on the road.

Regular oil changes are key to keeping your engine in peak condition. Shell Rotella® offers a full range of synthetic and synthetic blend heavy-duty engine oils that protect both modern low-emission and older diesel engines. Shell ROTELLA® T5 10W-30 Synthetic Blend and Shell Rotella® T6 10W-30 Full Synthetic help improve fuel economy compared to 15W-40 engine oil. Both oils offer enhanced warm and cold-start performance.

Remember to clean debris from the radiator and air intakes to prevent overheating. Check your cooling system to ensure the proper concentration of coolant; maintaining the correct freeze point is crucial year-round. Consider switching to an extended-life coolant like Shell Rotella ELC NF which can help reduce maintenance needs and enhance cooling system performance.

Spring maintenance is essential for keeping your truck operating at its best. By taking the time to inspect and service key components, you’ll help ensure smooth, trouble-free driving.

Check this out on the Shell Rotella website.

Understanding Engine Oils: Synthetic vs. Conventional

Trucking: New Report Challenges Driver Shortage Narrative, Traces Root Cause to 1980s Deregulation

sophie

May 13, 2025

Trucking on an open highway, symbolizing long-haul transport and the challenges discussed in the OOIDA Foundation’s report.

For decades, the trucking industry has claimed to be facing a persistent driver shortage. However, a new report by the OOIDA Foundation—the research arm of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association—argues that this narrative doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.

Released on April 24, 2025, the report titled The Churn traces the high turnover rate in long-haul trucking back to the deregulation of the U.S. trucking industry in the 1980s. At the time, the opening of the market led to a surge in new carriers, intensifying competition. As a result, companies lost the ability to offer meaningful wage increases without jeopardizing their profitability.

According to the OOIDA Foundation, this created an environment where high driver turnover became a standard business model. In their view, the issue is not a labor shortage, but a structural problem deeply rooted in the industry’s economic framework.

The report also takes aim at current policies, including government subsidies for driver training programs, which it says only address the symptoms of the problem. It further criticizes the longstanding exemption from overtime pay regulations, which allows companies to require up to 70-hour workweeks without additional compensation. These conditions result in wages that are lower than those in comparable industries, fueling dissatisfaction and resignations.

Another major driver of turnover is the widespread use of lease-to-own truck programs. Promoted as a path to ownership, these agreements often fall short of delivering what they promise. Many drivers, drawn by the dream of becoming independent business owners, quickly discover that life as an owner-operator can be just as unstable—especially in a market dominated by large carriers with more secure contracts.

The data cited in the report shows that there are roughly three newly licensed commercial drivers for every available long-haul trucking position. Despite this surplus of labor, working conditions have not improved, which, according to the OOIDA, proves the issue lies not in the number of drivers, but in the nature of the work itself. Many drivers choose to leave the industry altogether rather than cycle endlessly from one employer to another without meaningful improvement.

Interestingly, smaller fleets report better retention rates, but often rely on the churn created by larger carriers to recruit experienced drivers. A broad shift in human resource practices could therefore disrupt this perverse cycle, where questionable recruitment practices at the top indirectly feed the rest of the industry.

In conclusion, the OOIDA is calling for deep structural reform. The organization urges a review of current regulations, an end to the turnover-based business model, and a renewed focus on valuing experience. According to the report, only by addressing these root issues can truck driving once again become a stable, respected, and appealing career choice.

While the report primarily focuses on the long-haul segment, where turnover is especially high, many of its findings apply to the broader trucking industry. Issues such as unpaid hours, harsh working conditions, and questionable hiring practices go well beyond long-haul operations.

Read More :

Vallee-Jonction, QC: Five Months After Alexandra Poulin’s Death, Silence Still Reigns

Splatsin First Nation Blocks Major B.C. Bridge Project on Hwy 1 Over Exclusion Concerns

sophie

May 13, 2025

Dump trucks from the Splatsin First Nation Development Corporation block the R.W. Bruhn Bridge construction site in Sicamous, B.C., as part of a protest over exclusion from the project.

A conflict has erupted in British Columbia’s Interior as the Splatsin First Nation halted construction on the R.W. Bruhn Bridge replacement project in Sicamous, on Hwy 1.

The community alleges that its workers and businesses have been excluded from meaningful involvement in the $224-million government-funded initiative. On Monday morning, four dump trucks from the Splatsin Development Corporation (SDC) were positioned at both ends of the bridge, bringing construction to a stop.

The protest targets the joint venture responsible for the project—Aecon-Emil Anderson Construction General Partnership (AEGP). Splatsin leaders argue that while the initiative was initially presented as a multi-year opportunity for Indigenous collaboration, only a fraction of that promise has materialized. SDC representatives claim that despite operating within Secwépemc traditional territory, their involvement was reduced to just a few months of substantive work.

Among the grievances raised are the sudden removal of SDC trucks despite an alleged 50/50 partnership in trucking services, the exclusion of Indigenous-run emergency medical services from the site, and erratic scheduling that has contributed to job insecurity. Reports also suggest that Indigenous workers were sometimes dismissed without explanation, and procurement agreements that would have benefited local Indigenous fuel suppliers were reportedly ignored or replaced.

In response, the Ministry of Transportation acknowledged the situation and expressed a desire to work with all parties to find a resolution. A detour route has been established to allow traffic to continue despite the blockade. The province maintains it is monitoring the issue closely and reaffirmed its recognition of Splatsin’s cultural and territorial connection to the project site.

Splatsin leaders view this situation as symptomatic of a broader pattern, where infrastructure contractors across B.C. bypass commitments under Indigenous inclusion frameworks. The Neskonlith Indian Band, another Secwépemc community, has voiced support for Splatsin, citing similar frustrations with the provincial implementation of the B.C. Infrastructure Benefits (BCIB) model.

The Trans-Canada Highway in Sicamous remains blocked at the bridge construction site as of Tuesday. The British Columbia Ministry of Transportation has confirmed that the bridge will remain closed to general traffic until further notice. A detour route is available via Highways 97A and 97B.

The call now is for the government to enforce its Indigenous Opportunities Implementation Plan and ensure that reconciliation is reflected not just in words, but in action.

Truck Driver Training: Alberta Replaces MELT with the Learning Pathway

The Quebec Association of Artisan Truckers (ANCAI) Plan Major Protest on May 14

sophie

May 13, 2025

Over 5,200 Quebec artisan truckers, represented by ANCAI, are preparing to protest in Quebec City on May 14, 2025, denouncing government inaction on bulk transport regulation, corruption, and threats to regional carriers.

Photo: Gaétan Légaré of ANCAI and Premier François Legault

Quebec’s artisan truckers, represented by the Quebec Association of Artisan Truckers Inc. (ANCAI), are preparing a large-scale protest in response to what they describe as the government’s persistent failure to enforce its own regulations—allowing conditions that fuel collusion, corruption, tax evasion, false billing, and environmental non-compliance in public bulk transportation projects.

During public hearings on Bill 62, several experts—including Yves Trudel (President of the Public Procurement Authority), Caroline Rivard (Deputy Auditor General of Quebec), and Martine Valois (a leading authority on public procurement law)—warned that the government’s current approach could revive the same conditions that led to systemic corruption uncovered by the Charbonneau Commission. This risk is especially acute in collaborative or public-private partnership (PPP) projects.

The Commission had clearly shown that bulk trucking, when not properly regulated in public markets, provides fertile ground for money laundering and fraudulent invoicing. Despite this, for-profit brokerage firms—explicitly criticized by the Commission—continue to operate in public procurement, now with apparent government approval.

Since 2012, the Ministry of Transport has allowed contractors to use any transportation company to supplement their own fleets. This has had two major consequences: a loss of local economic benefits when public investments are made in a region, and increased risk of integrity issues in bulk transport spending.

Local artisan truckers, who often respond first in emergencies such as floods and storms, now see external carriers taking over public contracts in their own communities—on projects they’ve waited decades for.

Recent media reports have also revealed that over 600 Quebec companies, including many in the transport sector, are linked to Mexican cartels and are allegedly used for money laundering operations.

ANCAI has made repeated submissions to the Ministry of Transport, the Treasury Board, and the Minister of Infrastructure, urging changes to ensure that only non-profit brokerages accredited by the Quebec Transport Commission (CTQ) are authorized to handle bulk trucking brokerage in public markets. This was also the Ministry’s stated position in a 2013 trucking bulletin.

Despite these warnings, the government continues to open public procurement to unregulated for-profit brokers. The SQI (Société québécoise des infrastructures) has unilaterally removed a long-standing clause from its tenders and contracts that had, for the past 15 years, ensured a minimum share of work for regional truckers. This directly contradicts Premier François Legault’s own 2019 statement:

“I believe we should always prioritize hiring people who live in the region. Nobody likes fly-in fly-out. We’re better off using people who are there permanently.”

ANCAI is now calling on Premier Legault to personally intervene. The association asserts that the solution is simple: the government must enforce its existing regulations on bulk trucking brokerage by requiring contractors to work exclusively with accredited non-profit organizations. These organizations are bound by fiduciary trust account rules that ensure full financial traceability—eliminating the risk of corruption, under-the-table payments, and fraudulent billing.

Importantly, ANCAI emphasizes that its proposed changes would not increase government spending. Truckers themselves cover the administrative costs of compliance under this model.

Frustrated by repeated government inaction despite numerous warnings, ANCAI’s board of directors has decided to escalate publicly.

During the organization’s annual congress in Saguenay from May 8–10, 2025, final plans will be set for a mass protest on May 14, with over 5,200 truckers expected to take to Quebec’s roads and gather at the National Assembly in Quebec City.

For ANCAI members, this protest is not only about protecting their economic survival—it is a call to uphold the integrity of public institutions and restore fairness to Quebec’s infrastructure procurement system.

What ANCAI Artisan Truckers Are Demanding :

For several years, ANCAI members have been calling for a comprehensive reform of Quebec’s bulk transportation system. Their key demands include:

Restricting bulk brokerage to non-profit organizations accredited by the Quebec Transport Commission, including in collaborative and public-private partnership (PPP) projects, to prevent circumvention of the rules;
Reintroducing clauses in public tenders—especially those managed by the Société québécoise des infrastructures (SQI)—that prioritize the hiring of regional truckers;
Strengthening oversight of public project managers by enforcing the recommendations issued by the Auditor General of Quebec and the Public Procurement Authority;
Combating tax evasion and illegal practices by requiring that all transport providers follow the same compliance standards;
Protecting the integrity of public markets by ensuring that bulk transport remains a transparent, fair, and regionally anchored sector;
Officially recognizing the role of artisan truckers in emergency response situations—such as floods or snowstorms—by integrating them into government response plans and acknowledging their critical contributions;
Addressing the economic imbalance between large private firms and artisan truckers, in order to protect small regional businesses and maintain fair competition in the bulk transport industry.

Read More :

Vallee-Jonction, QC: Five Months After Alexandra Poulin’s Death, Silence Still Reigns

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Federal data reveals a growing concern in Canada’s trucking industry: a disproportionate number of violations under the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program originate from the sector itself.

Since 2020, over 80 violations involving trucking companies have been documented—accounting for more than 10% of all TFW-related infractions across all industries. Alarmingly, more than half of the fines issued to these companies remain unpaid.

The goal is clear: to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation while maintaining a legal, reliable pathway to address the ongoing labour shortage in the trucking sector.

Three New Democratic Party Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) representing Northern Ontario have tabled a bill to boost safety on Highway 11 and 17, a crucial yet hazardous corridor.

Guy Bourgouin (Mushkegowuk–James Bay), John Vanthof (Timiskaming–Cochrane) and Lise Vaugeois (Thunder Bay‑Superior North) aim to reduce daily risks faced by all road users, including truck drivers.

Key proposed measures include:

In the realm of engine oils, the distinctions between synthetic and conventional types are key to optimizing engine performance. Synthetic oils are crafted from more highly refined base oils, which results in fewer impurities and better performance across temperature extremes.

Cargo theft is on the rise as well-organized criminal networks increasingly target the U.S. supply chain. According to a six-month investigation by CNBC, these groups are hitting trucks, warehouses, and rail cars across the country.

In 2024, nearly 3,800 thefts were reported—a 26% increase over the previous year. Experts estimate that annual losses may approach $1 billion, though officially reported damages hover around $455 million.

A Shift Toward Strategic Cargo Theft

A Challenge to Catch the Criminals

Policymakers Step In

Canada Facing a Similar Surge in Cargo Theft

Volvo Trucks and Daimler Truck North America have recently issued safety recall notices on Transport Canada’s website, affecting specific units in their respective fleets.

These recalls aim to address defects that could compromise safety or regulatory compliance. Below is a summary of the affected models and the specific issues that led to the recalls.

VOLVO VN 2025

VOLVO VN 2023, 2024, 2025

FREIGHTLINER BUSINESS CLASS M2 2024, FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA 2024, 2025, 2026

Following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first post-election press conference, during which he announced plans to cap the number of international students and temporary foreign workers, the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) is calling for a more comprehensive reform of immigration policies.

A Program for Recognized Employers?

For decades, the trucking industry has claimed to be facing a persistent driver shortage. However, a new report by the OOIDA Foundation—the research arm of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association—argues that this narrative doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.

A conflict has erupted in British Columbia’s Interior as the Splatsin First Nation halted construction on the R.W. Bruhn Bridge replacement project in Sicamous, on Hwy 1.

What ANCAI Artisan Truckers Are Demanding :

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Guy Bourgouin (Mushkegowuk–James Bay), John Vanthof (Timiskaming–Cochrane) and Lise Vaugeois (Thunder Bay‑Superior North) aim to reduce daily risks faced by all road users, including truck drivers.