Canada
In a bid to address the growing demand for truck drivers, Canada’s trucking industry is actively recruiting new immigrants to fill a staggering 9,600 truck-driving positions immediately, with projections of tens of thousands more vacancies in the next couple of years.
Craig Faucette, Chief Program Officer of the nonprofit industry organization Trucking HR, revealed that there are currently 23,532 driver vacancies in Canada, a number expected to surge to 55,000 by 2024, as per the Canadian Trucking Alliance.
To meet this demand, Canada has instituted various immigration policies granting work permits and permanent resident status to experienced foreign truck drivers. Eligible candidates can apply through Canada’s online Express Entry system under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or opt for the Provincial Nominee Program. To qualify, applicants need a minimum of five months of continuous work experience in Canada or abroad.
Last February, the federal government allocated up to $46.3 million in collaboration with Trucking HR Canada for the “Driving Economic Recovery” project. This initiative provides subsidies for recruitment, training, and wage subsidies, benefiting up to 1,400 new drivers and 1,200 other professionals in demand within the trucking sector.
Despite some private fleet owners disputing a severe shortage of truck drivers at present, national trucking organizations are actively recruiting both domestically and internationally.
Mike Millian, President of the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada, acknowledged the current excess capacity of trucks in the market but warned of an impending shortage when the current recession ends. He emphasized the need for proactive recruitment efforts.
International students from India, who pursued trucking jobs after completing their diploma courses, shared insights into the challenging training process. They highlighted the risks of the job, including navigating wildlife and maintaining speed for timely deliveries.
Ahmed Darwish, an immigrant from Libya, highlighted the challenges of obtaining a license but expressed relief after securing a job post-training. Job Bank salary data indicates that truck drivers can earn up to $34 per hour, with higher wages in some provinces.
The trucking sector faces an aging workforce, with one-third of drivers over 55 years old. Newcomers, particularly those with South Asian backgrounds, play a crucial role in the industry. Statistics Canada data reveals that 17.8% of Canada’s drivers have South Asian backgrounds, rising to 55.9% in Vancouver.
In 2022, Canada had over 300,000 employed truck drivers, a number that increased to 316,700 in the first nine months of 2023. Meanwhile, Trucking HR Canada’s quarterly Labour Market Information snapshot indicates that employment for truck drivers is stabilizing, with an increase in jobs and a decrease in unemployment rates within the sector. Despite a volatile first quarter, the report suggests a positive trend in the trucking and logistics sector.
