Canada’s trucking industry faces critical labour shortage amid economic importance

The Canadian trucking industry, a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, is grappling with a severe labour shortage that threatens to disrupt supply chains across various sectors. Employing approximately 400,000 people and supporting over 500,000 businesses, the industry’s vital role was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite recent efforts to address the shortage, including adding trucking to the Federal Skilled Worker Program, companies continue to struggle to fill vacancies. With projections indicating a potential shortage of up to 55,600 drivers by 2035, the economic impact is substantial, costing the economy billions and affecting critical industries such as forestry, auto manufacturing, and retail.