Ontario Chamber Marks National Trucking Week by Urging Action on Industry Challenges

(Toronto – September 7, 2023) – As National Trucking Week casts a spotlight on the vital role trucking plays in the Ontario and Canadian economy, the President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), Rocco Rossi, emphasizes the pressing need to address challenges impacting the sector:

“The trucking industry forms the backbone of the economy, ensuring goods are transported reliably and efficiently across vast distances. While National Trucking Week provides an opportunity for us to recognize the hard work and dedication of truck drivers and industry professionals, it is also a time to call for public policy action as the industry struggles to rebound following the pandemic as consumer demand drops.

“We urge the federal and provincial governments to consider taking action on:

• Addressing labour shortages, particularly acute for small business operators, through measures such as expedited pathways to immigration.
• Streamlining complex license and retraining requirements imposed on internationally experienced truck drivers.
• Investigating ways to remove red tape for businesses by creating a one-permit system for wide, high, and heavy loads or a centralized hub for permit information across the province.

“The OCC stands committed to fostering the growth and resilience of the trucking industry. We look forward to working with public policy makers to overcome challenges in the trucking industry so that it can continue its contributions to the economy and society at large.”

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, not-for-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC’s mission is to convene, align and advance the interests of its members through principled policy work, value-added business services and broad engagement to drive competitiveness and economic growth in the province.

For more information, please contact:

Michelle Eaton
Vice President, Public Affairs,
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
michelleeaton@occ.ca | Mobile: (647) 261-4594