Ontario Trucking Association’s Call for Enhanced Enforcement

The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is urging the provincial government to enforce stricter measures aimed at reinstating compliance and safety standards within the trucking sector. Proposed actions include increased oversight of immigration practices, overhauling licensing and audit systems, and modifying the operations of truck inspection stations.

This request comes in light of the federal hearings that commenced earlier this month, which are investigating the conditions in the trucking industry and the impact of the Driver Inc. model on labor violations, tax dodging, and safety hazards.

“While we commend Minister Sarkaria and Minister Piccini for their decisive leadership addressing labor exploitation and the rise of unsafe trucking companies, it is unfortunately not sufficient to resolve the ongoing crisis,” stated OTA’s president and CEO, Stephen Laskowski, in a press release. “We have presented a detailed plan to the ministers that we strongly believe will hold all carriers accountable for meeting necessary safety and labor standards on public roadways.”

Among the OTA’s recommendations is a 12- to 18-month suspension of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) for the trucking sector until ‘sustainable controls’ are established. While the OTA acknowledges immigration as a crucial element to resolving labor shortages, it emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the system from exploitation by new arrivals in Canada.

“This is an opportune moment to evaluate how the program is functioning and to implement essential oversight to ensure newcomers are employed solely by legitimate and compliant carriers that will treat them equitably and foster their long-term success,” said Jonathan Blackham, OTA’s director of policy and public affairs.

Another recommendation put forth is the elimination of the “satisfactory-unaudited” carrier rating, advocating for compulsory regular audits for both new and existing fleets. Additionally, the OTA calls for truck inspection stations to be operational 24/7, staffed by federal, provincial, and law enforcement personnel. They also suggest revising the commercial licensing framework to adopt a vocational endorsement standard based on types of vehicle configurations.

“The trucking industry has evolved, and not for the better,” remarked Geoff Wood, OTA’s senior vice-president of policy, in the release. “Currently, nearly 90% of trucking fleets in operation have never undergone an audit by MTO officials. This situation requires immediate attention. Just as every restaurant in the province is inspected to ensure compliance and safeguard public health, the same level of scrutiny must be applied to trucking operations.”