A proposed loan program could provide some financial relief during the ongoing trade war with the US for qualifying carriers who serve companies in the steel, aluminum and auto sectors, says the Ontario Trucking Association – but the association is also cautioning the Ontario government it must ensure companies that operate in the underground economy do not benefit from such loans.
“While this is certainly welcomed by the industry for those struggling with increased costs and eroding revenues due to trade tensions, we have another crisis in Ontario from carriers participating in the underground economy and those who routinely break laws related to labour, tax, immigration and road safety, among other rules. There is no way non-compliant, unsafe carriers should see a penny of this loan relief,” said OTA chair Mark Bylsma.
OTA has been cautioning the government and cabinet for months that any tariff relief programs not to repeat mistakes made during covid, when many illicit businesses received undue funding.
“Trucking companies that operate honestly and responsibly want assurances from the Government of Ontario that relief will only be provided to carriers that are paying their provincial and federal taxes and are living up to their labour obligations,” said Bylsma. “This relief to Ontarians offered by our government is only available because compliant and good corporate citizens pay their fair share of taxes without fail.”
In its press release, the Government of Ontario stated that eligible Ontario-based businesses will undergo rigorous assessment and due diligence by a third party. OTA will be providing the Government of Ontario and its third party guidance of how to assess trucking applications for a presence in the underground economy.
To learn more about the loan program please click here: