CTA Statement: Training, Safety Oversight & Trucking Immigration Under Scrutiny

Source: Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA)

Ottawa — A fatal truck crash in Florida this week has reignited serious concerns about the integrity of the U.S. commercial driver licensing (CDL) system and immigration policies affecting the trucking sector.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy called for immediate action, citing “serious red flags” uncovered by federal investigators. Following his remarks, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced via X that the U.S. will immediately pause issuing visas to foreign truck drivers, warning of risks to public safety and unfair competition against American drivers.

Although these restrictions do not apply to Canadian drivers, the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) warned that Canada must act decisively to fix its own vulnerabilities or risk facing similar U.S. measures.

Concerns at Home

The CTA stressed that Canada’s commercial licensing systems, though different from those in certain U.S. states, remain vulnerable. Investigative reports by CBC and others have exposed issues ranging from weak training standards and bribery to forged documents and license “buying.” The rise of unethical trucking companies exploiting workers and bypassing safety oversight is a growing concern.

A Call to Action

The CTA is urging federal, provincial, and territorial governments to implement the comprehensive plan it submitted this summer, including:

• Stronger enforcement presence at highway inspection stations.

• Stricter oversight of licensing regimes.

• A federal Known Employer Program in immigration to shut out non-compliant operators.

“Safe, compliant Canadian fleets remain among the safest in North America. They must not be caught in the net due to government inaction,” the CTA stated.