From the office of MP Leslyn Lewis
HALDIMAND—Haldimand-Norfolk MP Leslyn Lewis is calling for stronger federal oversight to protect truck drivers and the public, after questioning industry witnesses during a House of Commons Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Committee meeting.
The committee is investigating “Driver Inc.,” a controversial practice where some trucking companies classify drivers as incorporated contractors instead of employees. This loophole, Lewis warned, is undermining fair competition, exploiting workers, and weakening road safety enforcement.
“In regions like Haldimand-Norfolk, trucking is the backbone of our local economy,” said Lewis. “But I’m hearing growing concern that the Drivers Inc. model is undermining competition, exploiting workers, and creating serious gaps in safety. This problem has been building for years – and this Liberal government has failed to act.”
Lewis highlighted driver fatigue and weak enforcement as ongoing safety risks on Canadian highways, including in communities like Haldimand-Norfolk, where heavy truck traffic moves daily along Highways 3, 6, and 24. Industry representatives from the Canadian Trucking Alliance told the committee that over 90% of Ontario trucking companies have never been audited, raising major concerns about oversight.
“Instead of fixing federal loopholes that encourage tax evasion and undermine fair labour practices, the Liberal government has tolerated weak enforcement, making the situation worse,” said Lewis.
