The Ontario Trucking Association is firmly committed to ending the gross violations based on labour misclassification that is rampant in the Ontario trucking industry. As the OTA Board of Directors is firmly committed to lobbying for the eradication of this this unscrupulous business model from our sector, we also believe we must ensure that all members of the association who want to assume an Executive role for the 2026-28 term must be screened during the nominations process. Additionally, starting in 2028, Board members must also be screened to ensure they are not partaking in any labour misclassification schemes.
“The OTA believes we must lead by example. Our members in leadership positions within the association are committed to ensuring that future Board and Executive remain committed to ridding our sector of the out-of-control labour misclassification that is occurring in the Ontario trucking industry,” OTA Chair Mark Bylsma
The screening process assesses if drivers of all trucks registered to a carrier’s CVOR/NSC/NIR /SFC number(s) are properly covered by government workplace insurance. A review of each carrier’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) or provincial equivalent documentation, as well as WSIB documentation for a random selection of third-party suppliers of drivers, as applicable to the carrier’s organization, is part of the review. process. This includes driver agencies, subcontractors supplying trucks and drivers, owner-operators, and/or contract drivers.
“I would like to thank James Steed, OTA’s immediate past Chair and former Chair Wendell Erb for their leadership on this issue as they spearheaded these initiatives during their tenures,” added Bylsma.