Bill C-39 and Small Trucking Fleets: What Ottawa Is Reviewing

Federal lawmakers are reviewing a bill that would change how Ottawa coordinates transportation project approvals and how federally regulated workplaces handle matters such as collective bargaining and unpaid wages.

Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, passed second reading in the House of Commons on October 8, 2026, and was referred to a legislative committee. The committee invited written submissions as part of its review.

What’s in the bill

One proposal would allow the federal transport minister to establish an office to coordinate federal reviews and consultations for transportation projects. The bill also proposes changes to the Canada Labour Code, including provisions on collective bargaining and wage recovery.

For trucking operators, the proposals touch on two parts of the business: the infrastructure carriers rely on to move freight and the employment rules that apply to federally regulated fleets.

Where small carriers want a say

In a separate November 6 statement responding to the federal budget, the Canada Truck Operators Association called for small carriers to have a direct role in shaping transportation policy, digital trade processes and freight corridor planning.

The association pointed to specific issues that affect day-to-day operations, including truck parking, road access to terminals, border capacity and terminal turnaround times. For a small fleet, those are the details that determine whether a corridor investment makes a route easier to run.

The association also called for consistent enforcement against businesses that evade tax, employment or safety obligations, with clear guidance and accessible review processes.

Sources — House of Commons Legislative Committee on Bill C-39, Parliament of Canada bill text, and Canada Truck Operators Association’s November 6 statement.