New alliance targets transportation and supply chain workforce challenges

The Transportation and Supply Chain Workforce Alliance (TASC) was announced Monday (Aug. 24) at Mounty Royal University’s Bissett School of Business by Patty Hajdu, minister of jobs and families and minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.

The new national alliance aims to bring together Canada’s trucking, air cargo, marine, rail and logistics sectors to tackle workforce challenges, including labour shortages, skills gaps and an aging workforce.

“Our supply chains are only as strong as the people who run them,” said Hajdu. “Through this Alliance, we are bringing industry, labour and training providers together to deliver the exact skills workers need and employers are searching for. Together with our partners, we are safeguarding Canada’s trade corridors, strengthening communities and building an economy where every worker has a place.”

In partnership with Trucking HR Canada (THRC) and CIFFA – Canada’s Association of Logistics Providers – the initiative is funded by the federal government through Employment and Social Development Canada.

The alliance will bring together employers, education and training providers, Indigenous partners, labour and workforce organizations and other stakeholders to identify workforce priorities, share labour market intelligence and develop and pilot solutions.

“This investment is an important step toward a stronger, more coordinated workforce strategy for Canada’s transportation and supply chain system,” said Angela Splinter, president and CEO, Trucking HR Canada. “Building on our track record of collaboration and delivery of practical, meaningful programs, we will bring industry and workforce partners together to tackle shared challenges, strengthen workforce intelligence and deliver results. We are proud to lead this work and help ensure Canada’s transportation workforce is ready to support the country’s evolving economic and supply chain needs.”

“The workforce challenges facing Canada’s transportation and supply chain sectors cannot be solved in isolation,” added Bruce Rodgers, executive director, CIFFA. “TASC creates an important platform for collaboration across trucking, air, marine, rail, and all logistics stakeholders, allowing us to align our efforts and learn from one another. CIFFA is pleased to work alongside Trucking HR Canada to ensure workforce planning reflects the needs of the entire supply chain and supports the movement of Canada’s trade for years to come.”

The transportation and warehousing sector contributed $96.5 billion directly to Canada’s gross domestic product in 2024 and supports nearly one million jobs, according to the federal government.

Persistent labour shortages, technological change and rising demand for workers are putting pressure on employers across the sector, the government said.

TASC will focus on aligning skills development with employer needs, supporting technology adoption, attracting new talent and improving workforce collaboration across transportation modes and regions.

The alliance is the third in a series of federal initiatives aimed at addressing workforce challenges in sectors considered critical to Canada’s economic growth. It follows the Mining and Minerals Workforce Alliance and the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Alliance.

The government said the new initiative will help strengthen the workforce supporting Canada’s multimodal supply chains, which span road, rail, air, marine and warehousing.