In early September I had the honor of being named the latest chairman of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) – an organization I have been proud to be a part of for many years.  

My predecessor, Greg Munden, has done an incredible job these last two years. His leadership was indispensable in navigating CTA through some stiff economic and political headwinds

I am aware that I assuming the role of chairman at a critical time for Canada. I don’t think it’s controversial to say that our country – and even our industry – has changed immensely over the last decade; and if we’re being honest, mostly not for the better. 

I feel that Canada is not the economic powerhouse it once was. We are slowly losing our free-market drive and competitive spirit as companies suffocate under the weight of a stifling tax system that has stagnated business productivity and GDP per capita. As a country, our citizens are becoming poorer. We are losing ground rapidly to the U.S. and many other developed countries are now surpassing Canada and this issue is of critical national importance.

Driver Inc. fight to continue

While at the same time, many sectors – especially trucking – are forced to compete with an underground economy that essentially gets a free pass from governments at many levels to cut corners, cheat taxpayers and abuse our labor standards.

Of course, I’m referring to Driver Inc., and the lack of enforcement against these unscrupulous business practices. I honestly believe this is an existential issue for our industry, and in turn, our national economic well-being. Like it was for my predecessor, this will continue to be a focus for CTA during my time as chairman and I am eager to continue the fight until our concerns are seriously addressed by decision makers.  

Hopefully change is on the way – sooner rather than later – but in the meantime, Canada’s productivity slowdown must be addressed with some urgency. CTA is currently consulting on tax and labor proposals that will allow companies and employees of the trucking industry to thrive, not stagnate. 

In additional to personal service business (PSB) and T4A enforcement to restore fairness in the system, we will also aim to create a more business and worker friendly environment though CCA (capital cost allowance) rates and business tax rate reform, the elimination of the federal excise tax on fuel, personal tax deductions for truck drivers, and work on labor/immigration issues to protect workers from exploitation.

Carbon tax on diesel serves no purpose

And of course, we will continue to advocate for the elimination of the carbon tax on diesel fuel, which is meant to change consumer behavior but serves no policy or environmental purpose for much of our industry. Our industry is spending billions on technologies to reduce its carbon footprint in a variety of ways, but Ottawa must realize that the costly carbon tax is literally ineffective as the trucking industry has no viable zero-emission engine technology to deploy, nor the infrastructure to support it.

Canada generally needs more economic freedom, less disruption and a major reduction in red tape to restore its reputation as major global economic player. For starters, we must restore the efficiencies and trust that once made the Canada-U.S. trade relationship the envy of the world.

The Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) is a critical trade treaty for our country and for our industry, which carries the bulk of the trade between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

All three countries will be reviewing the status of the treaty in 2026. It is important that Canada is ready diplomatically — and treated seriously — by our partners. As an industry, we too will have a voice at the table.     

Consistent messaging

Obviously, many of these items will potentially take on a new look and require industry to adapt should the Conservatives win the next election in 2025. Pierre Poilievre has taken the time to get to know our industry better over the last year. He has promised a tax reform committee, and we must be ready to participate. 

No matter which party leads in Ottawa – our message will be consistent. We must immediately correct course and bring back a tax and regulatory regime that incentivizes business growth and encourages wealth creation and a world class supply chain — three universal goals that have come under attack through apathy, political barriers and poor/inconsistent enforcement mechanisms.

I Iove the trucking industry. It has provided me and my family more than I could ever wish for. It is my hope to be able to leave this industry in the best possible shape for the next generation.