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Motion Adopted at the National Assembly of Québec to Counter the Driver Inc. Scheme

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National Assembly of Québec adopts a motion to counter the Driver Inc. scheme, emphasizing fair competition and road safety in the trucking industry. Picture is showing a truck stop.

On February 12, 2025, a motion regarding “Driver Inc.” was introduced at the Québec National Assembly by Monsef Derraji, Liberal MNA for Nelligan and Official Opposition Critic for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, in collaboration with Étienne Grandmont, Québec Solidaire MNA for Taschereau, Joël Arseneau, Parti Québécois MNA for Îles-de-la-Madeleine, and Marie-Claude Nichols, Independent MNA for Vaudreuil.

This motion aimed to draw attention to the widespread use of the so-called “Driver Inc.” scheme in Québec’s trucking industry and its consequences on road safety:

“That this practice, in which an employer claims that its drivers are not employees but rather incorporated workers, is being used by these employers to avoid payroll deductions such as the Québec Pension Plan, CNESST contributions, and other levies like group insurance.”

“That the Assembly is concerned about the impact of this practice on road safety, given that many of these drivers are not accustomed to Québec’s winter driving conditions and may find themselves involved in road accidents.”

“That the Assembly declares this practice constitutes unfair competition against companies that fully comply with Québec’s legislative and regulatory payroll contribution requirements.”

“That, finally, the Assembly calls on the CAQ government to quickly consider legislative amendments to counter the Driver Inc. practice.”

The motion on “Driver Inc.” was unanimously adopted, with 105 votes in favor, none against, and no abstentions. The adoption of this motion sends a clear message to the government about the urgency of addressing the Driver Inc. scheme.

Although not legally binding, this motion could push the National Assembly to consider legislative measures to better regulate the trucking industry, ensure fair competition, and improve road safety. It now remains to be seen whether the government will respond to this call by proposing concrete reforms.

Tariffs Could Disrupt Canadian Trucking and Trade Relations

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Donald Trump, imposing Tariffs that Could Disrupt Canadian Trucking and Trade Relations.

The tariffs imposed by the United States on Canadian imports are shaking up trade dynamics and the trucking industry.

With a 25% duty on most Canadian exports—and a 10% tariff on energy products starting February 4—this decision by President Donald Trump has sparked strong reactions on both sides of the border. In response, Canada has implemented equivalent countermeasures targeting several American products.

This economic standoff is poised to have significant consequences for the trucking industry, a sector already strained by rising costs and declining revenues.

Tariffs: National Security Pretext or Economic Leverage?

“The goal of tariffs is to increase U.S. industrial capacity, create and protect U.S. jobs, and to protect our national security by ensuring our supply chains, particularly for our military, are not reliant on our adversaries,” Donald Trump testified before the Senate Committee on Finance in mid-january. “I believe that tariffs can be an important source of government revenue and can help fund investments that benefit American families, workers and companies.”

Trump further added that tariffs would be implemented alongside other economic policies, including regulatory relief and income tax adjustments, and that these tariffs would target “the appropriate range of jurisdictions and products, with rates calibrated to advance American interests.”

A Severe Economic Impact on Trucking

Trucking is central to trade between Canada and the United States. Annually, nearly $700 billion worth of goods cross the border, with half of that transported by truck. These new tariffs threaten to significantly slow down cross-border commerce, reducing the volume of goods transported and increasing operational costs for carriers. According to the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), this situation could directly affect 120,000 drivers and companies engaged in cross-border deliveries.

An Industry Already Under Pressure

The trucking sector has been grappling with increasing operational costs. Rising fuel prices, higher maintenance expenses, and a persistent labor shortage have already weakened many companies. With the new tariffs, the cost of equipment and parts imported from the U.S. could skyrocket, making it even harder for trucking fleets to remain profitable. Additionally, carriers may see their profit margins shrink, not only if their clients choose to import fewer American goods but also if the added costs from these tariffs are shared between shippers and carriers on both sides of the border, each trying to avoid bearing the full burden.

Industry Leaders Push Back Against Tariffs

Trucking associations in both the U.S. and Canada are speaking out against these tariffs, calling them excessive and unjustified. Stephen Laskowski, president of the CTA, described these measures as “disproportionate and harmful to businesses in both countries.” On the American side, the American Trucking Associations (ATA) expressed concerns that this trade war could hinder the sector’s recovery, which is already struggling due to economic challenges. ATA President Chris Spear warned that these tariffs could reduce transportation demand and increase costs for carriers, impacting the entire logistics chain across North America.

Nationwide Boycotts of American Products

Across Canada, the response to U.S. tariffs has been swift and widespread. In Quebec, many citizens called for a boycott of American products to protest these protectionist measures. At the urging of the provincial government, the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) announced it would remove American wines from its shelves, demonstrating a clear preference for local products. Similarly, in Ontario and other provinces, state-run liquor stores have pulled American alcoholic beverages from their offerings. These initiatives, coupled with national campaigns encouraging consumers to buy local, send a strong message against U.S. tariffs. However, these movements could also have unintended side effects, particularly for retailers and businesses that rely on imported goods, including their transportation.

A Threat to Supply Chains

The disruptions caused by these tariffs could ripple far beyond the transport sector. Canadian companies that depend on raw materials or finished goods imported from the U.S. may face higher costs and longer delays. Distributors and manufacturers must quickly adjust their sourcing strategies to prevent a broader crisis. Some experts even recommend strengthening interprovincial trade to reduce reliance on American imports.

Mitigation Measures Needed

In response to this economic uncertainty, the Canadian government has introduced support measures to help affected businesses. These include financing programs and incentives to diversify export markets. Furthermore, several experts suggest that transportation companies should revise their routes and explore new opportunities, particularly by strengthening commercial ties with Europe and Asia.

An Uncertain Future for Trucking

As this trade war escalates, the trucking sector must quickly adapt to the new market realities. If tensions persist, transport companies will need to innovate and diversify their strategies to minimize losses. In the meantime, consumers, businesses, and governments must make strategic decisions to mitigate the impact of these tariffs and ensure the country’s economic stability.

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Weather Alerts in Effect for Ontario, Vermont, Michigan and New York

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A lake effect snowstorm with challenging conditions, including heavy snowfall, reduced visibility, and snow-covered roads affecting multiple regions, to represent the weather alerts in effect in multiple province and states.

Weather alerts are in place, mostly due to lake-effect snowstorms. Here are the details:

Parry Sound, Gravenhurst, Huntsville (Ontario)
Lake-effect snow squalls are expected to develop this afternoon.

Hazards: Heavy snow in some areas, with total accumulations of 30 to 40 cm. Maximum snowfall rates of 3 to 5 cm per hour. Reduced visibility during heavy snow and blowing snow.
Timing: From this afternoon until Tuesday afternoon.

Sault Ste. Marie Region (Ontario)
Lake-effect snow squalls from Lake Superior are expected this evening and overnight.

Hazards: Periods of heavy snow, with total accumulations of 15 to 20 cm. Sudden visibility reductions during heavy snow and blowing snow, especially in open areas near Lake Superior. Westerly wind gusts of up to 50 km/h may create blowing snow.
Timing:
From this evening until early Tuesday morning.

I-81 from the border to Syracuse:
LAKE EFFECT SNOW WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM TODAY TO 1 PM WEDNESDAY

What: Heavy lake effect snow, with 1 to 2 feet expected in the most affected areas.
When: From 4 PM today to 1 PM Wednesday. The worst travel conditions will be Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening.
Impacts: Travel will be very difficult due to poor visibility and deep snow on the roads.

I-90 from Rochester to Cleveland (Buffalo area):
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM TUESDAY

What: A burst of snow will affect Buffalo this morning, especially during the late morning commute with 1 to 2 inches this morning and 3 to 5 inches later. Gusty winds up to 35 mph may cause some drifting snow.
When: Until 4 AM Tuesday.
Impacts: Slippery roads and limited visibility, especially south of Buffalo.

Vermont and Northern New York:
Snow Squalls Possible

What: Quick bursts of heavy snow and gusty winds possible today. Up to 1 inch of snow could accumulate quickly, with a chance of flash freezing in the Champlain Valley between 3 PM and 6 PM.
Impacts: Rapidly changing weather and road conditions. Drive carefully.

I-94, I-96, and I-69 (Central and Western Michigan):
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FROM 7 PM TODAY TO 1 AM WEDNESDAY

What: Lake effect snow with 2 to 4 inches expected, and higher amounts possible. Blowing and drifting snow could reduce visibility.
When: From 7 PM tonight to 1 AM Wednesday.
Impacts: Slippery roads and poor visibility. Plan for hazardous travel during Tuesday’s commutes.

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Volvo Trucks Recall on Nearly 20,000 Vehicles

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A Volvo VN truck parked on a flat surface, representing one of the nearly 20,000 vehicles affected by the updated safety recall addressing an ECU issue that could impact critical braking and safety systems.

Volvo Trucks has updated its recall on nearly 20,000 vehicles due to an issue with the electronic control unit (ECU) that could impact the braking system. Here are all the details :

Transport Canada Recall : # 2024-633
Manufacturer Recall Number : RVXX2409
Last Updated 2025-01-07
Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall. 19,251

Issue:

On certain trucks, poor signal strength could cause the electronic control unit (ECU) to stop working or not to work properly. As a result, some safety systems may not work, including the antilock braking system, automatic traction control, electronic stability control, active cruise control and the collision mitigation system.

Note: For the VNR model, this recall affects only the VNRe model.

Safety Risks:

Vehicle safety systems that don’t work correctly could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Actions:

Volvo will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your truck to a dealership to reprogram the ECU software.

Make Model Model Year(s) Affected: 

VOLVO VAH 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
VOLVO VHD 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
VOLVO VN 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
VOLVO VNR 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

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Driver Inc.: The Trucking Industry Urges Quebec Premier François Legault to Act Swiftly

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Marc Cadieux, Réjean Breton and Jean Chartrand speaking at a joint press conference in Montreal about the impacts of Driver Inc. on Quebec's trucking industry.

This morning, three major voices in the trucking industry came together in Montreal, Quebec, for a joint press conference against the Driver Inc. scheme.

The Association du Camionnage du Québec (ACQ), the Association des professionnels du dépannage du Québec (APDQ), and the Teamsters Union joined forces to demand urgent action from Premier François Legault to address the pressing issue of “Driver Inc.

Serious Consequences for the Industry and Society

Held at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Montreal, the conference shed light on the numerous negative impacts of this illegal practice. “Driver Inc.” is based on the misclassification of drivers as self-employed incorporated workers, despite their ineligibility for such a status. This scheme, widely used by unscrupulous companies, allows them to bypass source deductions, social contributions, and labor standards, to the detriment of Quebec’s economy, road safety, and workers’ rights.

François Laporte, President of Teamsters Canada, stated:

“Driver Inc. practices exploit vulnerable workers and create unfair competition not just in Quebec but also in Ontario, where honest workers are also affected. It is critical for the Ontario government to align efforts with Quebec to put an end to this scheme.”

Representatives from each organization detailed the economic, social, and fiscal consequences of this practice while emphasizing its effects on safety and working conditions for drivers.

Marc Cadieux, President of the ACQ, explained:

“Fraudsters are increasingly conducting their illegal activities with impunity in Quebec. They threaten not only the economic health of our businesses but also the safety of road users. The Legault government must act faster and more decisively on this public-interest issue.”

Environmental and Operational Impacts

During the conference, Réjean Breton of the APDQ highlighted a pressing issue related to “Driver Inc.”: trucks being stranded for hours or even days due to non-payment for towing services. Local towing companies, faced with unpaid invoices, often refuse to intervene, leaving vehicles immobilized and compounding challenges for the transportation industry.

Breton also stressed the environmental risks associated with these delays. When trucks remain stranded for extended periods, leaking fuel tanks or other hazardous spills can occur. These prolonged inactions exacerbate environmental damage and underscore the urgent need for measures to prevent such incidents.

He added:

“Our companies are incurring millions of dollars in losses due to unpaid invoices, all while complying with their legal obligations. Since the primary requesters of these roadside assistance services—the Sûreté du Québec and Contrôle Routier Québec (SAAQ)—are government agencies, the APDQ is asking the government to implement a guaranteed payment mechanism to protect these businesses.”

A Call for Immediate Action

The three organizations urged Premier François Legault to take swift action to end these practices and safeguard the integrity of the industry as well as workers’ rights. It’s not the drivers who are being targeted, but the companies exploiting the “Driver Inc.” scheme.

Jean Chartrand, Special Advisor to Teamsters Canada, concluded:

“By failing to act, the Legault government is enabling the loss of thousands of well-paying, unionized jobs. This is unacceptable. We must protect these jobs that support Quebec families and our province’s economy.”

Marc Cadieux, Réjean Breton and Jean Chartrand speaking at a joint press conference in Montreal about the impacts of Driver Inc. on Quebec's trucking industry.

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This text was translated with the assistance of an AI translator.

Tragedy in Vallée-Jonction: Young Woman Killed in a Crash Involving a Truck

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a truck overturned on a car at a hazardous intersection in Vallée-Jonction, highlighting the tragic consequences of failing to follow safety rules.

At noon on Wednesday, tragedy struck the municipality of Vallée-Jonction on Route 173, when a heavy truck overturned onto a vehicle, crushing it completely, leaving the young victim with no chance of survival.

The young woman of 26-year-old, Alexandra Poulin from Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce in Quebec, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The intersection at the bottom of the slope connecting Route 112 to Route 173 has long been recognized as hazardous. To mitigate risks, an emergency escape ramp was added at the base of the hill, along with restrictions prohibiting trucks over 15 tons from using the descent.

The truck driver, who was on his first trip of the day, is being questioned by investigators to clarify the circumstances of the accident. According to the Sûreté du Québec, there is currently no indication that the driver was impaired or lacked a valid license. However, criminal charges may be filed as he failed to comply with the 15-ton weight restriction, exceeding it with his equipment and load.

a truck overturned on a car at a hazardous intersection in Vallée-Jonction, highlighting the tragic consequences of failing to follow safety rules.Hussain Mujahid, the owner of the trucking company, confirmed that the driver, a subcontractor, had the necessary credentials and assured full cooperation with authorities. However, Mr. Mujahid’s company is already under scrutiny by the Commission des transports du Québec (CTQ) for past violations.

In July, the CTQ granted the company a conditional safety rating, highlighting deficiencies in vehicle maintenance and regulatory compliance. In response, the CTQ issued strict directives, including mandatory improved training for drivers and managers to address these shortcomings. This remains the company’s only active file before the CTQ, according to Mr. Mujahid.

While the investigation is ongoing, this tragic incident underscores the importance of strict adherence to safety measures by all road users. These rules are not optional but essential to protect the lives of everyone on the road.

The trucking community in the province is calling for a thorough investigation and, if warranted, appropriate charges and penalties, citing growing concern over the alarming increase in accidents in recent years. The lack of proper training for some drivers and questionable practices employed by certain companies, primarily from Ontario, are at the heart of ongoing debates within Quebec’s transport sector. Many carriers and associations are actively advocating for measures to make the roads safer for all users.

Listen to Benoit Therrien interview on Radio X (French only) : https://radiox.com/podcast/il-doit-y-avoir-une-enquete

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Targets Another Trucking School, Charges Driver and the School

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Truck driving school vehicle stopped by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) for significant safety violations, highlighting ongoing issues in driver training standards.

Yesterday, in Caledon East, a municipality in the Region of Peel located northwest of Brampton, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stopped a truck from a driving school for several significant violations.

Truck driving school vehicle stopped by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) for significant safety violations, highlighting ongoing issues in driver training standards.

According to a post shared on social media, the truck lacked proper company identification, did not have the required inspection documents, and had other compliance issues. Both the driver and the driving school were charged.

This intervention is part of a broader effort by authorities to address safety violations. Earlier this month, Peel Regional Police’s Road Safety Services conducted an inspection of another driving school vehicle, uncovering alarming issues: tires worn beyond legal limits, multiple air leaks, a broken air tank bracket, and front tires making contact with air lines. These serious violations led to the removal of the truck and trailer’s plates, and charges were filed against the driver and the school.

Questionable Practices in the Truck Driving School Industry

These incidents highlight systemic problems within Ontario’s truck driving school industry. Promotions for Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) programs advertised at $3,000 or $3,500 on social media raise concerns about the quality of training provided at such low prices. These rates are simply not realistic when considering the actual costs of operating a proper training program.

The result of such cut-rate practices? Poorly maintained vehicles and inadequately trained drivers, posing significant risks to all road users. In densely populated urban areas like Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon—home to many of these schools—these dangerous trucks are accidents waiting to happen, endangering pedestrians, including schoolchildren.

Critical Conditions in Northern Ontario

Meanwhile, in Northern Ontario, concerns are growing over road conditions and insufficient training for commercial drivers. During Question Period at Queen’s Park, Cochrane NDP MPP John Vanthof condemned the dangerous state of highway 11 and 17, which are frequently closed due to multiple accidents. He emphasized the lack of training tailored to the harsh winter driving conditions in the region.

Vanthof, alongside other Northern representatives, reminded the government that road safety is a fundamental responsibility. He called for concrete measures to ensure all drivers, particularly commercial ones, receive proper training. However, the government has been slow to act, despite mounting fatalities on these critical routes.

A Long Way to Go

While efforts by the OPP and Peel Regional Police are commendable, they are not enough to tackle the widespread issue. Truck driving schools that neglect their responsibilities continue to jeopardize public safety, and Northern Ontario’s roads remain treacherous for families and professional drivers alike. Poorly trained drivers, unfortunately, are not just an Ontario problem—they threaten road safety across Canada.

Highway 11/17 in Northern Ontario: A Reality Misunderstood by the Ministry, Says MPP Guy Bourgouin

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Guy Bourgouin, MPP for Mushkegowuk—James Bay, speaking about road safety and the dangerous conditions on Highway 11/17 in Northern Ontario.

The riding of Mushkegowuk—James Bay, represented by MPP Guy Bourgouin, spans a vast region in northeastern Ontario, encompassing communities such as Hearst, Kapuskasing, Moosonee, and several First Nations. Highway 11/17, a key transportation artery in this region, is critical for connecting these localities and supporting their economic and social lifelines.

However, these roads are often deemed dangerous due to harsh weather conditions, inadequate winter maintenance, and substandard infrastructure.

During an interview on TSQ Radio, MPP Guy Bourgouin voiced the concerns of his constituents about the numerous hazards they face. He has tabled legislation to improve the winter maintenance of Route 11/17, including reclassifying it as a Category 1 highway to ensure faster and more efficient snow clearing.

Despite these efforts, the provincial government has yet to adopt these measures, leaving residents and road users in a precarious situation. Local communities continue to demand concrete actions to secure these vital roads that are essential to their daily lives.

“If the roads close, there’s no detour. This is the Trans-Canada Highway—Highway 11/17. I often tell people that this is not some backroad; it’s the Trans-Canada, and we need services that reflect that reality.”

In addition to his efforts to improve road maintenance, MPP Bourgouin has proposed measures to enhance truck driver training, a major concern given the growing fears among residents about using the highway for travel.

“We’re seeing so many incidents happening. There were two regular snowstorms—not like the one in Gravenhurst where they got four and a half feet of snow in one shot. But 10 inches of snow? We’re used to that. What we’re seeing are people without the experience to drive in winter conditions. Especially truck drivers with little experience, who follow too closely, rear-end others, jackknife, and shut down the highways.

 

People need to understand that for us, these are major arteries. If we want to get to medical appointments, send our kids to school, or get to work, we rely on Highway 11/17—there are no alternatives!”

MPP Bourgouin recently raised a CBC Marketplace investigation in the Legislature that exposed fraudulent practices in truck driver training in Ontario. The undercover report revealed that some driving schools provided far less than the required 103.5 hours of training mandated under the Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) program. This allowed unqualified individuals to obtain their licenses through bribery and falsified documents.

Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria acknowledged during the investigation that there were “a few bad actors.” However, MPP Bourgouin contends that the problem is far more systemic and alarming.

“The report mentioned, if I recall correctly, 14 institutions that were illegally signing certifications to let individuals take their tests. This clearly shows there are people who shouldn’t be behind the wheel,” Bourgouin lamented.

 

“I told the minister to revoke the licenses of these institutions, identify the culprits, and go back and re-test everyone who obtained their licenses through them. Give them a reasonable timeframe to retake the test, but this situation must be corrected to send a clear message that this is unacceptable.”

 

“This isn’t just one or two bad actors; it’s much bigger than that. Like I said, it’s systemic. And yet, the minister keeps saying we have the safest roads in North America. Let me tell you, in my riding, every time he says that, people get even more frustrated and angry with the ministry.”

Faced with reports of fraud and corruption in licensing centers, MPP Bourgouin is advocating for mandatory training requirements before obtaining Class A or D licenses, including at least 20 hours of winter driving simulation.

“Twenty hours isn’t much, let’s be honest. I wanted to propose a lot more, but with such a partisan government, I tried to make it as feasible as possible. Once the bill is passed, it goes to committee, where it can be amended. Trucking companies and municipalities can testify and contribute their perspectives.”

MPP Bourgouin emphasized that during discussions with companies using simulators, some noted that while helpful, these tools alone were insufficient for comprehensive training. He aims to bring this information to the committee to strengthen the proposal.

According to Bourgouin, the issue doesn’t lie with truck drivers themselves but rather with the institutions issuing certifications inadequately. “Workers just want their licenses so they can work and provide for their families.”

He further advocates equipping all drivers with the necessary tools and training to gain real-world experience. The minister recently told Bourgouin he liked the bill and mentioned a new motion requiring drivers to have one year of experience driving a car before qualifying to become truck drivers.

“That’s all well and good,” Bourgouin responded, “but if they’re only driving in Toronto for a year, they’ll never gain experience with snow! Driving a car and driving a truck in winter conditions are completely different—the response is entirely distinct.”

Additionally, Bourgouin has introduced the “Chad’s Law,” which seeks to ban overtaking on roads marked with double yellow lines. This legislation was inspired by a tragic accident in his riding caused by a dangerous passing maneuver.

“It happened right outside her community,” Bourgouin explained, referring to Johanne Baril, Mayor of Val Rita-Harty, who also spoke out about the unprecedented dangers on Highway 11/17. “And she’s not the only mayor raising this issue!”

Despite support from multiple municipalities in Northern Ontario, this legislation has yet to be adopted by the provincial government. Bourgouin continues to advocate for its implementation, noting that Ontario is one of the few provinces where such overtaking is not explicitly prohibited.

“We must improve these roads for the people in the North because they’re dangerous, and we have an obligation to protect our constituents.”

MPP Bourgouin’s initiatives reflect a deep commitment to improving road safety in Northern Ontario. However, the provincial government’s inaction on these proposals leaves residents and road users vulnerable. Communities continue to demand bold, decisive measures to enhance safety on Highway 11/17—a vital lifeline for their daily lives and the truck drivers who depend on the Trans-Canada Highway.

Hwy 11/17 kills people – La route 11/17 tue des gens.

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Johanne Baril, Mayor of Val Rita-Harty, a municipality in Northern Ontario, is raising the alarm about serious transportation issues, particularly concerning Highway 11/17. This corridor is critical for the region but has a grim reputation for its dangers.

Translated using a translation program.

Driver Inc.: The Industry Collapses While Elected Officials Remain Silent

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Elected Officials Turn a Blind Eye to a Crisis Destroying the Trucking Industry and Endangering Public Safety! The trucking sector faces an unprecedented crisis as we discuss the issue of Driver Inc with Réal Gagnon of Trans-West, Marcus Deschênes of Transport Gilmyr, Yvan Domingue of Transport Grayson, Pierre Labrie of Groupe Bernières, and Marc Cadieux, CEO of the Québec Trucking Association.

On Tuesday, December 10, business leaders and company executives gathered on Truck Stop Québec (TSQ) to discuss the Driver Inc. scheme and the severe consequences of governmental inaction.

Among them were Réal Gagnon, CEO of Trans-West; Marcus Deschênes, CEO of Transport Gilmyr; Yvan Domingue, Director of Personnel and Recruitment at Transport Grayson; Pierre Labrie, Director of Recruitment and Training at Groupe Bernières; and Marc Cadieux, CEO of the Association du Camionnage du Québec (ACQ).

This issue, which affects not only the trucking industry but also the economy and public safety, has sparked unprecedented outrage.

Réal Gagnon was the first to publicly denounce this blight on TSQ a few months ago. Yet, the scheme continues to grow, amplifying its destructive impact on the industry and threatening its dismantlement.

“First, it’s a lack of political courage,” Gagnon criticizes. “Second, the government is aware of everything. Everyone has seen the federal document about driver misclassification, but no action has been taken. I’d like to know, what does Pierre Poilièvre think about this? What will he do about Driver Inc. if he comes to power? Or will he follow Trudeau’s lead and keep turning a blind eye?”

Devastating Economic Consequences

Marc Cadieux of the ACQ highlights the challenges this scheme imposes on legitimate companies:

“Profit margins are razor-thin. When you’re competing against businesses with operating costs 25 to 30% lower than yours, it’s impossible to compete—it just can’t be done.”

Beyond its direct impact on companies, this model also deprives governments of billions in tax revenue—money that should fund schools, infrastructure, and hospitals. This loss exacerbates current economic challenges. Yvan Domingue warns:

“Wake up! We’re heading for bankruptcy! Not just company bankruptcies, but a state bankruptcy! Billions of dollars aren’t being collected, jobs are being lost, and we can’t compete with this model. It’s not just a Québec problem—it’s pan-Canadian. The government chases after us for $22 in unpaid taxes, yet lets those exploiting the scheme get away with billions.”

Every truck, every driver, and every legitimate company being replaced by fraudulent practices adds fuel to the fire.

“To politicians turning a deaf ear: this is urgent!” exclaims Marcus Deschênes. “Look at Ontario—large companies are either selling off or shutting down entirely. Companies with 400 trucks are down to 50 or 60. It’s devastating, especially since Québec has strong talent, excellent employees, great companies, and the best training centers in Canada. Where are we headed?”

Alarming Fraudulent Practices

Gagnon detailed the fraudulent practices enabled by this scheme. Driver Inc. operators and their employers evade taxes and fees, creating unfair competition. For Trans-West, a company playing by the rules, this amounts to a $12 million annual cost disparity compared to fraudsters. These businesses operate without insurance, use unsafe vehicles, neglect towing fees, and employ drivers without proper certifications—or worse, without valid licenses. Gagnon even recounts how his company lost $80,000 worth of fuel to these fraudsters.

“How are we supposed to stay competitive against this?” Gagnon asks, exasperated. “Do we have to resort to the same tactics? I’m not willing to stoop to stealing fuel, but will it come to that?”

Serious Risks to Public Safety

The risks to road safety are alarming. Pierre Labrie expresses his concerns:

“Take Highway 401 as an example—it’s a record-breaking year for accidents, and winter has only just begun. My concern is that these drivers aren’t properly trained. I saw an ad for heavy vehicle training being run out of a basement in Québec on TEAMS. Would I want my kids on the road with these drivers? Absolutely not.”

Compounding these safety concerns, skyrocketing insurance premiums are making the situation unsustainable for many in the industry.

“It’s not just about rising insurance premiums,” Gagnon adds. “The problem is when these drivers hit us. I’ve had multiple trucks wrecked—one driver lost a wheel and crashed into the front of our truck. We lost the truck, the cargo, and two drivers are on workers’ compensation and will never drive again. In another case, a driver hit us in a curve, flipping our equipment into a rock embankment.”

Gagnon describes the financial toll:

“It cost us $250,000 to clean up spilled oil, $300,000 in towing fees, and we got nothing for our equipment. Altogether, these incidents added up to over $1 million on top of our premiums. And we weren’t compensated.”

Yvan Domingue shares similar experiences, highlighting the frequency of these incidents and the near impossibility of recovering damages from Driver Inc. operators.

“Every week, we deal with accidents. Our drivers park to sleep at truck stops and end up sideswiped by Driver Inc. operators. They take off, and we’re left with the damage.”

Another Tragedy on the Horizon?

Many fear a repeat of the Humboldt Broncos tragedy in Saskatchewan, where a poorly trained Driver Inc. operator caused an accident that killed 16 and injured 13. Marcus Deschênes stresses:

“It was a Driver Inc. operator in Humboldt. Let that sink in.”

Pierre Labrie warns:

“We’re headed for more tragedies—it’s only a matter of time.”

The risks extend beyond the industry, threatening public safety for all road users. The erosion of trust in the transport sector will only deepen if such incidents continue.

Collective Mobilization Needed

Réal Gagnon calls on industry professionals and citizens to unite:

“We all have a vote. Let’s support a government or representative willing to address this issue and enforce the law. Through the ACQ, we could rally as many as 500,000 people to back a party ready to take action.”

He emphasizes the impact on struggling families:

“Families across Québec and Canada are taxed at 40% or more, yet billions of dollars remain uncollected by the government. Meanwhile, Driver Inc. operators steal jobs, fuel, and tax revenue. It’s infuriating.”

The trucking industry and the public must mobilize to eradicate the Driver Inc. scheme. Immediate collective action is essential. Transporters, drivers, brokers, and citizens must demand concrete measures from authorities.

STOP DRIVER INC. Write to your MP. Together, we are stronger.”

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Ottawa Towing Companies Under Provincial Police Scrutiny

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Ottawa towing companies facing allegations under the Towing and Stowage Safety and Enforcement Act, showing a vehicle in tow.

Two Ottawa-based towing companies and a tow truck driver are facing serious charges under Ontario’s Towing and Stowage Safety and Enforcement Act, with potential fines reaching thousands of dollars.

These allegations stem from consumer complaints about abusive practices related to vehicle recovery and storage.

The complaints began in late November when the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report that one towing company refused to release a vehicle from its impound lot following a collision, demanding over $5,000 for just one week of storage. In early December, a similar complaint was filed against another company, which also allegedly withheld a vehicle while overcharging for services.

While the charges against the companies are not criminal, they can lead to hefty penalties of up to $100,000 for businesses found guilty and, in some cases, even jail time. These regulations aim to protect consumers from fraudulent practices in the tow industry, a sector often associated with reports of misconduct.

Southway Towing, one of the companies charged, faces multiple allegations, including demanding payments without consent, failing to provide invoices before payment requests, and refusing to release vehicles upon request. Pro Solution Towing, the other implicated company, is accused of misleading customers, applying undue pressure for specific payment methods, and demanding payments without proper invoices or consent.

A tow truck driver, whose identity has not been disclosed by police, is also facing charges for providing or attempting to provide services without consent and failing to comply with legal requirements to document consent.

These incidents echo a 2022 scandal involving two former Ottawa police officers. The officers admitted to taking payments from towing operators in exchange for providing inside information about accident locations, giving certain operators an unfair advantage. Although the officers avoided prosecution by resigning, their actions highlighted the risks of corruption in the towing sector.

Authorities are urging the public to report any abusive or illegal towing practices through the Ontario government’s official website. These measures are part of ongoing efforts to rebuild trust in towing services and ensure fair treatment for consumers.

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