Federal, provincial and territorial transportation ministers have committed to coordinated action against the controversial Driver Inc. model while advancing long-awaited measures aimed at reducing interprovincial trucking barriers and strengthening Canada’s supply chains.

The commitments emerged from the annual meeting of the Council of Ministers Responsible for Transportation and Highway Safety, co-led in Vancouver by federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon and British Columbia Transportation and Transit Minister Mike Farnworth.

Ministers agreed to collaborate on enforcement efforts targeting non-compliance with labor, tax and safety rules tied to Driver Inc., in which drivers classified as independent contractors may effectively operate as employees.

The move was welcomed by the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), which has long argued the model undermines compliant carriers and drivers.

“CTA has been active on this file for a very long time and the acknowledgement by all ministers that Driver Inc. is real and must be dealt with is helpful,” said Geoff Wood, CTA senior vice president of policy. “However, the proof will be in the actual efforts put forth across the country to get rid of Driver Inc. Everyone must be all in.”

Ministers said coordinated federal, provincial and territorial enforcement — alongside improvements to training and licensing — will be key to improving safety and compliance in the commercial trucking sector.

Interprovincial trucking agreement advances

The council also confirmed progress toward finalizing a memorandum of understanding on interprovincial and territorial trucking that includes 14 measures designed to align regulations, reduce trade barriers and improve freight efficiency across Canada.

Most jurisdictions have now signed onto the agreement, with final approvals expected in the coming weeks.

Wood said the initiative reflects recommendations CTA has raised repeatedly through its interprovincial trade barriers reports and during federal consultations.

“It is understood that progress is being made toward finalizing the approvals from all jurisdictions in the coming weeks and then sharing the details of the MoU,” he said. “We look forward to the details and seeing the agreements implemented.”

Governments said harmonizing trucking regulations will support more efficient domestic trade while maintaining road safety standards.

Supply chains and infrastructure in focus

Ministers emphasized that resilient transportation networks remain essential to Canada’s economic competitiveness and trade diversification efforts.

Discussions focused on improving trade corridors and gateways, strengthening information sharing and reducing regulatory red tape where appropriate to improve supply chain performance.

“By rail, road, sky and sea, transportation is a unifying force for moving Canada’s people and products in Canada and to the world safely, securely and efficiently,” MacKinnon said following the meeting.

Provincial and territorial ministers also pressed Ottawa for predictable, long-term infrastructure funding to support highways, bridges, airports and rural transportation networks critical to freight movement.

Farnworth said collaboration among governments is essential to maintaining efficient transportation systems nationwide.

“Our transportation networks are the backbone of Canada’s provincial, territorial and national economies,” he said. “Provinces and territories are working constructively with the federal government to ensure safe, reliable and efficient transportation systems that deliver people, goods and economic prosperity from coast to coast to coast.”

Road safety strategy approved

The ministers also approved Canada’s updated national framework, Road Safety Strategy 2035 and Beyond, which aims to continue reducing fatalities and serious injuries on Canadian roads.

Commercial vehicle safety featured prominently in discussions, including enforcement coordination and strategies to address infrastructure damage caused by vehicle-bridge collisions.

Ministers acknowledged ongoing labor disruptions across transportation supply chains in recent years and encouraged employers and unions to reach negotiated solutions to protect supply chain reliability.