Canadian Trucking Alliance Backs Bill C-39 Reform

The group supports legislative changes to modernize trade processes and improve the efficiency of national highway corridors.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in International Trade

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a shipping container on a highway, symbolizing Canadian trade policy reform. — The Canadian Trucking Alliance is advocating for Bill C-39, a proposal designed to modernize national trade infrastructure and enhance highway corridor efficiency. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Canadian Trucking Alliance is backing Bill C-39, a legislative proposal aimed at accelerating infrastructure development and updating trade documentation. By replacing paper-based records with electronic systems, the industry expects to significantly reduce border delays.

Why it matters

The alliance argues that modernizing these processes will enhance highway corridor efficiency while tackling long-standing labor issues in the sector. They also hope the legislation will level the playing field against carriers using the Driver Inc. model.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance has maintained its opposition to the Driver Inc. model for eight years. The organization is now advocating for electronic trade records to replace paper-based processes to streamline operations.

The players

Canadian Trucking Alliance

This is a national federation representing the interests of the Canadian trucking industry before the federal government.

Jonathan Blackham

He serves as the director of policy and public affairs for the Canadian Trucking Alliance.

Employment and Social Development Canada

This federal department is responsible for oversight of labor standards and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

The details

During recent testimony, the alliance requested proactive enforcement by Employment and Social Development Canada to address labor noncompliance. The group is also seeking a new known-employer program and formal representation on the National Trade Corridors Council.

October 27, 2026: Jonathan Blackham testified before a parliamentary committee regarding the legislation.

Market Landscape

The push for representation on the National Trade Corridors Council reflects a broader strategy by the trucking industry to secure greater oversight of national infrastructure spending. This move aims to align federal trade policy with the operational needs of legitimate commercial carriers.

Changes to border documentation processes could lead to more reliable shipping timelines for businesses and consumers across the country. Improved enforcement against labor misclassification may also help stabilize the trucking workforce and service costs.

The takeaway

The industry's push for digital modernization highlights a shift toward reducing bureaucratic friction in national commerce. Businesses should prepare for potential changes in how cross-border trade documentation is processed and regulated.