The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) welcomed a federal study into Driver Inc., calling it a long-overdue investigation into what it describes as one of the most damaging schemes facing the trucking industry and Canadian taxpayers.
Stephen Laskowski, CTA president and CEO, said that the business model where truck drivers are improperly classified as independent contractors amounts to a coordinated scheme that undermines tax laws, labor rights, immigration rules, and road safety. He urged lawmakers to treat the issue as a national crisis.
“We thank all members of the committee for their commitment to examining the ongoing crisis in our industry,” Laskowski said in a news release, expressing hope that the study will drive meaningful political action and lead to stronger enforcement.
The Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (TRAN) announced it will launch a formal study of Driver Inc. next month, following the completion of its current review into the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s vessel financing for British Columbia Ferries. The new study will include at least six meetings, with a report due by the end of the year.
TRAN will summon the minister of transport, the secretary of state for labor, and the secretary of state for revenue to testify for a minimum of one hour each. Other witnesses will be selected by committee members.
According to the CTA, Driver Inc. undermines compliant carriers by allowing companies to sidestep payroll deductions, employment standards, and insurance premiums, thus shifting billions in lost revenue away from public services like hospitals and schools. Laskowski warned the model also increases risks on Canadian highways.
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