Ottawa reiterates commitment to crack down on Driver Inc., says Minister Patty Hajdu

Source: CTA

During a meeting Tuesday evening with the Board of  Canadian Trucking Alliance, federal minister Patty Hajdu reaffirmed Ottawa’s commitment to combat worker misclassification and unfair practices within the trucking industry.

According to the alliance, the minister delivered a strong message supporting compliant carriers while criticizing operators benefiting from unfair practices at the expense of vulnerable workers and legitimate trucking companies.

“There are employers doing it the right way like you in this room, who have to compete on an unfair playing field against people making money off the backs of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities… while also cutting corners to provide better prices to their customers. That’s certainly not fair to you as well as the unsuspecting workers who have not understood what is happening to them,” said Patty Hajdu.

The comments come as political and regulatory pressure continues to grow in Canada regarding the controversial “Driver Inc.” business model, which has been heavily criticized by industry groups including the  Canadian Trucking Alliance and the  Ontario Trucking Association.

Industry representatives argue that these practices contribute to tax evasion, worker misclassification and unfair competition against compliant carriers operating under Canadian labour, tax and safety regulations.

In recent months, the federal government has increased efforts to address the issue through stronger coordination between the CRA and Employment and Social Development Canada, as well as enforcement measures announced in the 2025 federal budget specifically targeting the trucking sector.

For the CTA, Minister Hajdu’s public support sends a strong signal that the issue remains a growing priority in Ottawa.