Bloc Québécois Forces Ottawa to Act: Xavier Barsalou-Duval Secures Parliamentary Study on Trucker Exploitation

Source: Xavier Barsalou-Duval

Varennes, September 22, 2025 – In a significant breakthrough for labour rights in the trucking industry, Bloc Québécois MP Xavier Barsalou-Duval has succeeded in pushing Ottawa to take action. The Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (TRAN) unanimously adopted a motion to launch a full parliamentary study into the exploitation of underpaid truck drivers – referred to as “discount drivers.”

As Vice-Chair of the TRAN Committee, Barsalou-Duval tabled a motion compelling Parliament to conduct at least six sessions focused on this issue. Key federal officials – including the Minister of Transport, the Secretary of State for Labour, and the Secretary of State for Revenue – will be required to testify, along with witnesses selected by all parties.

“The ‘discount driver’ phenomenon is a ticking time bomb for road safety and the integrity of our transport system,” said Barsalou-Duval. “This study is a first step, but the Bloc Québécois will keep fighting until real solutions are implemented.”

The hearings aim to shed light on systemic abuses in the trucking sector, including poor pay, unsafe conditions, and worker exploitation – problems that endanger not only drivers but the safety of all road users.

The Bloc has pledged to continue applying pressure until concrete, effective reforms are adopted to better regulate the trucking industry and protect workers’ rights.