« Queen’s Park and Ottawa must tackle organized crime and extortion in trucking »-OTA

Source: OTA

BRAMPTON, Ont. — Organized crime and extortion targeting Ontario’s trucking sector are escalating and require sustained, coordinated action from both the provincial and federal governments, the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) said this week.

On January 13, 2026, federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, Secretary of State Ruby Sahota, and Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner made a series of funding announcements at a trilateral summit focused on extortion targeting individuals and businesses.

Officials said about 470 extortion cases have been reported in the region since December 2023, and linked the trend to criminal networks involved in the movement of illegal guns and drugs.

Funding announced — but OTA calls for broader action

The measures include $1 million to support Peel Regional Police efforts to combat extortion, and $4 million over four years tied to enforcement efforts aimed at disrupting illegal drug markets that authorities say fuel extortion.

OTA argues the problem is wider, pointing to persistent truck and trailer thefts and criminal pressure near major transportation hubs—especially across the 905 region—that can put businesses, workers, and surrounding communities at risk.

OTA President Stephen Laskowski welcomed the announcements as a start, but said more resources and coordination across jurisdictions are needed to restore safety and confidence in the sector.