National Trucking Week marks an opportunity to recognize one of Canada’s largest and most important employment sectors. The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), in conjunction with the provincial trucking associations, are proud to highlight the many contributions made by over 400,000 Canadians who work in the industry and keep our economy moving.

“Driving truck is a skill and a professional commitment that has received a lot of public attention lately. This week is a time for Canadians, who benefit from the services provided by these professional men and women, to thank them for all they do to keep our economy moving,” said Canadian Trucking Alliance president Stephen Laskowski.

According to the 2016 Census, transport truck driver is one of the most prevalent jobs in Canada, representing 3.1% of total male employment. And while the supply chain is honouring the hundreds of thousands of truck drivers in Canada who already make their living in the industry, CTA is reminding governments there are still employment shortages in our sector and the trucking industry is open for business when it comes to hiring Canadians.

“Many fleets are currently trying to manage a severe shortage of qualified drivers. While the industry develops new human resource practices to attract qualified applicants, there are multiple roles customers, provincial governments and Ottawa can take to help alleviate this potential economic crisis,” said Stephen Laskowski.

CTA and its provincial association members have been working with provincial governments to introduce mandatory entry level requirements for professional truck drivers as well as apprenticeship-like training programs made available to other sectors to increase the interest of Canadians to the occupation. CTA has also been working with Ottawa to reassess how Canadian trucking fleets can use the immigration system to attract people from around the world to the many leading-edge Canadian trucking fleets.

“Driving truck is a very rewarding profession, which is here to stay. Anyone who is looking for a stable and rewarding career to build life around, should consider it,” said Laskowski.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), Canada’s national trucking group, launched National Trucking Week many years ago in conjunction with the provincial trucking associations. It traditionally begins on the first Sunday in September and runs to the following Saturday.

The purpose of the weeklong celebration is to recognize the important contributions made by the 400,000 Canadian men and women who keep the country’s freight moving.