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 519.966.3696 | info@windsoressexchamber.org

Toronto/Windsor – 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.”

“The trucking industry is a key sector in Windsor-Essex’s regional economy, especially with our close proximity to the border” stated Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO Rakesh Naidu. “The recommendations we called for in our policy resolution Support for the Trucking Industry are clear action items that can help address the challenges facing the industry” You can read the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce’s policy resolution titled Support for the Trucking Industry on our website policy and advocacy page linked here.


For more information, please contact:

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


For more information Locally, please contact:

Connor Lalonde
Policy Analyst & Board Liaison
Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce
clalonde@windsoressexchamber.org | Phone: (519) 966-3696 ext. 225