Trucking HR Canada says Budget 2026 brings more labour scrutiny for federally regulated fleets, plus $170 million for training
The workforce council's breakdown of the federal budget points to tougher enforcement on misclassification and wage theft, new training money through the provinces and tax measures small carriers can use.
Federally regulated trucking employers should expect closer scrutiny of how they hire and pay drivers, according to Trucking HR Canada (THRC), which published its reading of Budget 2026 on Nov. 10.
In its overview of the budget for trucking and logistics employers, the national workforce council said the budget proposes stronger enforcement against worker misclassification and wage theft, more workplace safety inspections and changes to labour relations processes. THRC said that means federally regulated carriers "may face increased compliance expectations and scrutiny of employment arrangements, payroll practices, and workplace policies."
The council said the budget treats skilled labour shortages as a constraint on growth, and it pointed to $170 million proposed in 2027-28 for training and employment services delivered with the provinces and territories through the Workforce Tariff Response.
What else THRC flagged
- Trade corridors: the previously announced $5-billion Trade Diversification Corridors Fund, and full funding for construction and certain maintenance costs of the Mackenzie Valley Highway.
- Digital trade: a proposed $55.3 million over two years, starting in 2026-27, for Transport Canada to advance electronic documentation, regulatory updates, testing and business adoption.
- Supply chain data: measures to identify bottlenecks, monitor disruptions and support trade diversification.
- Youth jobs: a reaffirmed 175,000 work and skills opportunities in 2026-27 through Canada Summer Jobs, the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy and the Student Work Placement Program.
- Small business: the Productivity Mega Deduction, which lets businesses deduct the full cost of a new investment; a Canada Growth Incentive exempting up to $15 million in capital gains on eligible Canadian companies; a $930-million expansion of SR&ED commercialization; and $1 billion for the Strategic Response Fund.
- Women in the sector: $8 million over four years starting in 2027-28, and $2 million a year ongoing, for organizations working to advance equality for women. THRC said its Women with Drive initiative is a current recipient of that program.
THRC noted that many trucking and logistics employers are small and medium-sized businesses that can use these programs, and said it keeps a guide called Funds for Fleets updated for them.
The council also leads the Transportation and Supply Chain Workforce Alliance with CIFFA, which brings trucking, rail, marine and air cargo groups together on shared workforce issues. THRC says the sector employs nearly 800,000 Canadians.