< Previous12 // www.womendrivingchangemagazine.ca students who were, and they asked thoughtful questions and were keenly interested in the career paths of myself and the other volunteers. Many were very surprised about all the different roles available in the industry and they had no idea that transportation is the second highest employer in the country, behind only the hospitality industry. Some of the best questions had noth- ing to do with the industry at all. One question I was asked by a student was “did you make any bad mistakes in your career, and do you have any regrets?” My answer? Yes, I have made many mis- takes, but I do not have any regrets. The young girl who asked the question then to grade 10 students in smaller groups of six to eight students for small group discussions to once again discuss our personal career journey. While this invitation to speak was not intended to promote any specific indus- try, when you tell your career story, which for me, I have been solely working in the transportation industry since I was 18 years old, it ends up being a promotion of the sector simply because I told my story and the various paths it has taken. Throughout the course of the day, the total number of students I was able to interact with was just short of 40. Was every student interested in what I had to say? No. However, there were several recently had the oppor- tunity to speak to students from Glenview Park Sec- ondary school in Cambridge, Ontario. The Business & Education Partnership of Waterloo Region (BEPWR) put on several career days at schools in the region and they invited volunteers to come in and provide career talks to the students. I joined two other volunteers and began the day speaking to a grade 9 class. We each spent 10 minutes dis- cussing our own career path and then opened it up to the students to ask us questions. Next, we split off and spoke SOLUTIONS Volunteer your time to reach the next generation Mike Millian ONLINE: https://www.pmtc.ca FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/PrivateMotor- TruckCouncilofCanada# X: https://x.com/privatefleets INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/pmtc_ privatefleets/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/private- motor-truck-council-of-canada/about YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/PMTCvideos DIGITAL CONNECTIONS PRIVATE MOTOR TRUCK COUNCIL OF CANADA – BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2025/2026 TERM) OFFICERS Chairperson Leanne Quail CPC Logistics Canada Past Chairperson Steve Lawn Parkland Group 1 st Vice-Chairperson Angela Munsterman Coca Cola Bottling Ltd. 2 nd Vice-Chairperson Patricia Burke Canadian Blood Services DIRECTORS Carrie Barclay Home Hardware Stores Ltd. Phil Camp Paccar Leasing Company Kevin Carlyle Penske Transportation Services Gerald Carroll Wesbell Logistics Scott Creighton Northbridge Insurance Jim Dimech Linde Canada Kelly Henderson THRSCA Chris Henry Trailcon Leasing Dave Hewlett Loblaw Transport Mike Iasparro Canadian Tire Kevin Jennings GFL Environmental James Johnstone Giant Tiger Wholesale Keith Lamb 4-Refuel Sud Malhotra Intact Public Entities David Marvin Tandet Group of Companies Terry Maw Rush Truck Leasing Kim Richardson Transrep Inc Matt Richardson KRTS Michelle Roberts IHSA Andy Walker Molson Coors Donald Williams Aviva Canada STAFF President, Private Motor Truck Council of Canada Mike Millian EA & Member Services Coordinator Annette Kieft Western Canada Business Manager Marcel Pouliot IWomen Driving Change Magazine // 13 probed further, wondering how I could make a mistake but not regret it. After giving it some thought, I told the group mistakes are how we learn. With hindsight, would I have made a different decision and perhaps never made the mistake, yes, however, every mistake I have made in my life has led me to where I am today, and today I am very happy with where I am and changing one thing back then, may have changed my path. I believe looking back and learning and thinking about things is very important, however I feel regret is a waste of energy. The student looked at me and said, “good answer, I never thought of it that way.” I have been lucky enough to speak to students at various Waterloo Region Schools over the last six years, with stu- dents ranging from grades 7 to 12. My introduction to the BEPWR was made by Shelley Walker, Founder and CEO of the Women’s Trucking Federation of Can- ada. Shelley was very involved with the group and knew they were looking for more volunteers to speak to students; she approached me with the suggestion I volunteer. I was delighted to hear that schools were open to the process, and I jumped at the opportunity. Earlier in my career, I had approached my local high school and asked if they would be interested in hav- ing me and others speak to their stu- dents about the transportation indus- try, and I was politely told to leave some information pamphlets, and they would reach back if there was any interest. I never heard back. As a result, when Shel- ley informed me of this opportunity, I was ecstatic. Over the years, I have lost track of how many students I have spoken to; some while doing career talks, while other times being asked to do a presen- tation specifically on the transporta- tion industry. I do not remember all the classes, but I do remember many conver- sations. At one presentation three years ago, I was talking to a grade 9 class in Waterloo. I explained to the students that if they did not know what they wanted to do for the rest of their lives, that was fine; try different things and if you don’t like it, try something else – you do not need to have your whole life planned out at this young of an age. I shared my career path and how I had no idea what I was going to do at the start of it, but it ended up that for my entire 33 years (at the time) I had been in the same industry, with differ- ent roles, going from driver to trainer, to safety and compliance manger, to my current role leading a trucking associa- tion. Once the talk was over, a student came up to me and asked if he could talk to me separately. The student confided that he struggled in school and thought if he could not achieve at a high level in college or university, he had no career path. He thanked me for telling my story and indicated he thought that after high school he was going to work in the trans- portation industry, and that he now had hope that he could have a successful job and career. Stories like this, and the one above about regrets, are why I find these talks very rewarding. Students today are the next generation. We need to let the future know what opportunities they have, and to be frank, open, and willing to talk. They are looking for advice and guidance, the same as we once were. I encourage you to reach out to your local school board to ask if they are looking for people to talk to their students about their career or their industry. Give your time to help the future because trust me, you will find it just as rewarding as the students do! Women Driving Change Magazine // 15 THE FUTURE of operating responsibly. This results in unfair competition that penalizes all of us who follow the rules and – even worse – erodes public trust in the system. And for the drivers wrapped up in this scam, their misclassification as independent contractors is a form of labour abuse, as it strips them of protec- tions such as overtime pay, vacation enti- tlements, and coverage under workplace safety programs, as well as denies them the right to fair employment. TTSAO – as should any reputable car- rier or trucking organization – stands firmly against Driver Inc. We believe that professionalism in trucking must be matched by fairness in employment, and we will continue to advocate for stron- ger enforcement, clearer regulations, and education for drivers, so that they under- stand how to avoid these kinds of fraudu- lent arrangements, as well as reduce the risks associated with Driver Inc. Under the hood Quality training is the foundation of a safe and reliable trucking industry, s we roll into 2026 and the road ahead, it feels like a good time to reflect on the miles we logged last year. On behalf of the Truck Training School Association of Ontario (TTSAO), I am proud of everything we were able to accomplish in 2025. Trucking in Canada is the lifeblood of our economy, keeping store shelve stocked, construction proj- ects building, and connecting our com- munities from coast to coast. That said, the Canadian trucking industry continues to face its challenges. While the demand for freight movement remains strong, our sector is under con- stant pressure from rising costs, chang- ing regulations, and a lack of qualified drivers behind the wheel. Training schools play a critical role in addressing this shortage. TTSAO is com- mitted to delivering high quality instruc- tion that emphasizes safety, professional- ism, and compliance. In promoting these values, we are ensuring that graduates are not only ready to meet the realities of the road but also understand what it takes to be a safe driver in this country. The impact of Driver Inc. I would be remiss if I didn’t take the time to discuss the impact of the Driver Inc. sit- uation on our industry. Make no mistake, Driver Inc. is a fraudulent practice that mis- classifies drivers as independent contrac- tors rather than employees, and it is one that undermines the integrity of our industry. What’s more, this shady practice cre- ates an uneven playing field that affects us all. Driver Inc. companies avoid pay- ing taxes, employment insurance, and workers’ compensation premiums – while the carriers and companies operating above the board shoulder the full burden Ensuring the integrity of our profession A BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ken Adams Chairman of the Board Crossroads, Ottawa Lesley de Repentigny Vice Chairman Drivewise/Knowledge Surge Yvette Lagrois Past Chairperson Ontario Truck Training Academy Sean Essner Modern Training Ontario Jack Lochand Alpine Truck Driver Training Raj Walia Trukademy/ NorDrux Ray St. Jean Northstar Truck Driving School Shane Cutler Cutler TCMS, Director of Communication and Public Relations Paul Beard Chairperson, TTSAO Insurance Group Vacant Chairman, TTSAO Carrier Group Jeff Mckay Transport Driver Training Inc CONTRACTED ASSOCIATES Phil Fletcher President, TTSAO Sara Fitchett Quest Consulting National TTSAO is committed to delivering high quality instruction that emphasizes safety, professionalism, and compliance. In promoting these values, we are ensuring that graduates are not only ready to meet the realities of the road but also understand what it takes to be a safe driver in this country. Ken Adams16 // www.womendrivingchangemagazine.ca stronger than ever. We are building some- thing here that will carry us forward. To our TTSAO members, our valued partners, and – especially – our driv- ers: thank you for your commitment to our industry. Your hard work literally drives this country. By working together, we will continue to elevate standards, embrace innovation, and reduce risk for every mile we’re on the road. Also, further behind the scenes, we are currently exploring ways to lower costs and prices to our schools and their operations. As part of this, we’ve been working on new diesel fuel saving and insurance saving programs and we are seeking to reduce some of the regulatory burden our schools face. We are work- ing hard to try and get costs more in line with current market conditions, so stay tuned for what’s in store. Eyes on the horizon The road ahead of us will not be with- out obstacles. Rising fuel prices, supply chain disruptions, and global uncertain- ties will continue to test our ability to stay between the lines. However, truck- ing has proven its resilience and, despite long hours, harsh weather, and complex logistics, we continue to deliver with pride – day after day, year after year. Despite the challenges we face, I am deeply optimistic about the future of our industry. We are essential, our workforce is resilient, and our training schools are and TTSAO helps to ensure that its member schools deliver programs that exceed baseline requirements, align with industry best practices, and pre- pare students not only to obtain their licence, but to build long, successful, and safe careers. To this end, TTSAO – along with the Women’s Trucking Federation of Cana- da (WTFC), Trucking HR Canada, and the Ontario Trucking Association, among oth- ers – has been providing testimony to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Commu- nities (TRAN Committee) about the labour issues and safety concerns we have as an industry, with special emphasis on the impact of Driver Inc., and how it relates to Ontario’s driving schools. TTSAO President Phil Fletcher has also been involved in several meetings now with policy makers in Ontario on the topic of non-compliant training schools, and TTSAO is currently working with other stakeholders to move the needle on the challenges we face. NETWORKING | EDUCATION | INSIGHT Details will be posted at https://ttsao.com as they become available. Proudly sponsored by the schools, carriers, and insurers who take pride in safety. Planning for the 2026 TTSAO Annual Conference is underway! ONLINE: https://ttsao.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ttsaoontario X: https://x.com/TTSAOontario INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ttsaoontario/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truck- training-schools-association-of-ontario-inc/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TTSAOONTARIO DIGITAL CONNECTIONS18 // www.womendrivingchangemagazine.ca insurance premiums. However, the practice really took off in 2011, after the Canada Rev- enue Agency (CRA) ‘temporarily’ paused penalties for failing to issue T4A slips. While this was a move by CRA that was originally meant to allow compa- nies – especially in trucking – to become more familiar with the new rules and adopt compliance practices before pen- alties were enforced, like it’s been said before, ‘The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.’ “The T4A moratorium is really what allowed this scheme to grow like a bad weed,” says Johanne Couture, Executive Officer at the Women’s Trucking Fed- eration of Canada (WTFC). “There is so much money in this scam now. I have Canadian economy billions, and damag- es the integrity of the trucking industry. “When businesses choose to run a Driver Inc. model, they are competing against us on an unlevel playing field,” says Dave Cox, CEO at Polaris Transport. “Everyone can agree that competition is good, but it has to be fair. Companies like Polaris Transport – as well as many other reputable companies out there – we’re doing what we are obligated to do, and it’s like we’re being punished for it because not every carrier operates in a way that’s right or legal.” The practice of misclassifying driv- ers began approximately a decade ago as trucking companies looked to reduce costs by avoiding payroll taxes, benefits, and he Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) calls it the biggest threat to Canada’s truck- ing industry. Driver Inc. is a controversial employment model where drivers are misclassified as independent contractors rather than employees. In reality, however, these drivers are indis- tinguishable from regular employees, lacking truck ownership, choice of route, and contract independence. At its core, Driver Inc. is fraud against Canada – a tax evasion scheme that undermines worker rights, costs the FEATURE “Essentially, Driver Inc. is really an entire network of shady business practices where everyone is in cahoots with each other.” Eliminating the Driver Inc. lies for good Broken promises: By Paul Adair, Staff Writer T – KEN ADAMS, TTSAOWomen Driving Change Magazine // 19 month over month, so they are never going to end up owning their truck. They are being exploited on so many different levels, it’s criminal.” According to Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario (TTSAO) Chair, Ken Adams, the driver misclassification under Driver Inc. did not start on a high- way, it began in a classroom. He says, “Those arriving in Canada for a better life are charged by immigra- tion lawyers to get into the country and then they are set up with a sub-par driv- ing school affiliated with the same per- son. Once they graduate, the school sends them to a sub-par carrier – also affiliated with the school – to classify them under the Driver Inc. model. We’ve even seen it where carriers will influence – or even buy – schools to undermine the provin- cial licensing standards. Essentially, Driv- er Inc. is really an entire network of shady business practices where everyone is in cahoots with each other.” It is important to note that nobody in this industry wants the Driver Inc. issue to be a referendum on immigration, and Canada’s trucking companies and carriers belong to a very welcoming industry. Rath- er, this issue should be about the fraud- ulent carriers that prey on newcomers, involve them in fly-by-night fraudulent training schools, and then take advantage of them once they are on the roads work- ing under the Driver Inc. model. Change is in the air The federal government made $77 million in commitments as part of Bud- get 2025 to strengthen compliance and crack down on the underground econo- my in trucking. It would appear that the federal government is now making good on that commitment by directing Can- ada Revenue Agency (CRA) to improve compliance and restore fairness in the trucking industry. On December 4, 2025, CRA lifted the T4A moratorium and businesses in the trucking sector will now be assessed penalties if they fail to report payments for services exceeding $500 in a calendar year that are made to a Canadian-con- trolled private corporation in the truck- ing industry. A business is operating in the trucking industry if more than 50% of its primary source of income is from trucking activities. The federal government believes that these updated reporting requirements will help improve transparency, strengthen compliance, and ensure both payers and “The results back from the consultant came with an emphatic, ‘What the heck is going on in trucking? You guys are – by far – the largest growth area of companies with zero employees.’ You may wonder how all these companies with all these trucks have no employees. The answer is that they can’t. It’s fraud and it’s a scam.” The unintended consequences The T4A moratorium ultimately meant that carriers paying incorporated drivers through Driver Inc. could avoid reporting payments, which made it eas- ier to misclassify employees as contrac- tors without facing any consequence. It’s no surprise then that this lack of conse- quence led to a significant proliferation of the fraudulent practice, as unscrupu- lous carriers were able to undercut the more honest and compliant fleets. “These carriers using Driver Inc. drivers are undercutting those of us who do fol- low the rules,” says Shelley Walker, Found- er and CEO of WTFC. “Where we might charge $1.75 a mile, these Driver Inc. car- riers will come in at $1 a mile, or even less. It’s difficult to see how they’re still operat- ing at those levels but they’re managing it, although we are starting to see more and more bankruptcies in our industry, many of which are Driver Inc. companies.” Laskowski agrees, adding that, “There are huge cost advantages for anyone oper- ating under Driver Inc.; upwards of 20%, and a 20% cost advantage in trucking is absolutely massive. Driver Inc. is also challenging responsible companies in their efforts to retain staff because their drivers are hearing about the growth of the underground economy and the illicit wealth that’s out there. This is the death knell to legitimate owners / operators in Canada, not to mention the criminality of forced labour, which is definitely a com- ponent of Driver Inc.” While not formally classified as labour trafficking, Driver Inc. is a form of forced labour that exploits its driv- ers through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Many times, newcomers are the targets of Driver Inc. carriers and are pushed into the scam without fully understanding the risks. “These newcomers have no control of what they’re doing other than being forced to work,” says Walker. “In many cases, these drivers are put into what we refer to as the ‘never, never’ program, which is a lease program through the company. They end up owing the compa- ny and the expenses go up dramatically heard of people from other organizations getting their vehicles vandalized when they step up to try and stop it – I have even heard of death threats. Driver Inc. is like organized crime and, because there aren’t enough resources for enforce- ment, it’s been allowed to flourish.” Given the underground nature of the practice, it is challenging to find an exact number of businesses operating under the Driver Inc. model. However, CTA esti- mates that up to one-third of trucking companies in some regions of Canada are involved in the scam today. “We tasked a consultant with looking at the growth of trucking companies with no employees, i.e.: Driver Inc.,” says CTA President and CEO, Stephen Laskowski. Next >