Canadian Trucking Alliance calls for federal crackdown on supply chain crime

The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) is calling on the federal government to tackle organized crime, forced labour and safety evasions in Canada’s commercial transport industry. The call for action comes after unsealed intelligence reports highlighted by Global News exposed how criminal networks and unlicensed operators are taking advantage of regulatory loopholes across the sector.

The CTA says security reports revealed that transnational criminal gangs have been using Canada’s international student visa program to recruit vulnerable newcomers, turning them into drivers for smuggling operations.

Reports also indicate that joint border operations have identified Canadian commercial trucks being used as major routes for trafficking bulk narcotics and that predatory trucking companies continue to exploit foreign workers through illegal pay schemes. Though these “chameleon carriers” frequently shut down when caught breaking the law, the CTA says they later reopen under a new name to dodge safety audits.

CTA is asking federal officials to establish mandatory background checks and security screening for all cross-border commercial fleets, business owners and drivers. The alliance also wants Ottawa to restrict participation in foreign worker and immigration programs strictly to government-approved trucking companies to protect incoming workers from exploitation.

With federal supply chain security consultations underway this summer, Greg Arndt, chair of the CTA, said the government has a crucial opportunity to step in and safeguard the nation’s trade routes.

“We have built a robust roadmap designed to isolate rogue operations and protect the integrity of our workforce,” said Arndt. “We look forward to working collaboratively with our federal partners in Ottawa to ensure this industry-led strategy is prioritized. The evidence of vulnerability and criminal exploitation of our international supply chain is undeniable.”

He said these growing issues directly threaten national security, highway safety and human dignity.

“Organized crime, labour abuse and unsafe chameleon carriers have been massive problems for the trucking industry. The crisis has been allowed to worsen for too long and needs to stop,” said Arndt. “The latest security disclosures are clear evidence our sector requires focused, high-level attention within these federal consultation processes. The CTA has a clear, actionable plan which must be prioritized in these ongoing discussions to restore full integrity to Canada’s supply chain.”