OTA Calls on Minister to Extend OINP Skilled Trades Stream Suspension to Trucking Sector

Source: Ontario Trucking Association

The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is urging Minister of Labour David Piccini to show the same decisive leadership he demonstrated in the Skilled Trades Immigration Stream and temporarily suspend the trucking industry’s access to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

The association warns that the program is currently exposed to widespread fraud, labour exploitation, human trafficking risks, and unsafe practices that directly impact workers and highway safety.

“Our sector continues to grapple with carriers who misuse immigration programs as a revenue scheme and a source of forced labour,” said OTA president & CEO Stephen Laskowski. “This behaviour harms workers, damages the reputation of the trucking industry, and jeopardizes highway safety. Earlier this year, we urged the province to temporarily suspend the OINP for trucking, and we are once again calling on the Minister to prioritize a review and pause the program to ensure future applicants are placed with safe, compliant carriers.”

Ontario’s recent review of the Express Entry: Skilled Trades Stream uncovered systemic misrepresentation and compliance failures. According to the province:

“The review identified systemic misrepresentation and/or fraud relating to Skilled Trades Stream eligibility criteria… As currently structured, the Skilled Trades Stream is vulnerable to systemic misrepresentation and/or fraud. This vulnerability undermines its ability to meet immediate labour market needs…”

While the OTA maintains that the OINP remains a critical long-term workforce tool, the association insists that meaningful reforms are urgently needed to safeguard program integrity.

“We have long championed the OINP; OTA was the first to advocate for our industry’s inclusion,” said Jonathan Blackham, director of Policy and Public Affairs. “But significant program issues must be addressed. Now is the time for corrective action so the program is protected from abuse and remains responsive to the needs of responsible, compliant carriers.”