The fallout from the federal government’s decision to exclude trucking from federal subsidies to steel producers that utilize marine and rail for domestic shipments, is being further examined by the Ontario Trucking Association.
“The decision not to include trucking and not conduct an impact assessment on what exclusion would mean for the industry adds further uncertainty and vulnerability to a supply chain that is already beleaguered and stressed,” said OTA Chair Mark Bylsma.
OTA is working to gather data and gauge the impact with its carrier members, most of which are small businesses. Although the policy is only a few days old, there are signals it is already having a negative impact on trucking transportation suppliers serving the steel industry.
Echoing calls from the Canadian Trucking Alliance, OTA is also calling on the Government of Canada to revisit its decision.
The Association has been told there are ongoing discussions regarding the impact of the policy.
OTA members wishing to provide further input can email steel@ontruck.org. Information collected will be anonymized and used to assist the association in ensuring Ottawa understands the financial aspects of selectively-applied subsidization programs among transport modes.