The world is changing fast and Canada's transportation sector is facing increasing workforce challenges, including an aging workforce and persistent labour shortages, just as trade volumes continue to grow. Rising demand for skilled workers continues to put pressure on the sector's ability to keep goods moving efficiently across the country. To address these challenges, the Government of Canada is focusing on what it can control. The Government is taking a coordinated approach to strengthening the workforce that keeps Canada's supply chains running, and to building a stronger economy that benefits everyone. Today, Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, announced the launch of the Transportation and Supply Chain Workforce Alliance. This is the third Alliance in a series of Government of Canada efforts that bring together partners to address workforce challenges in sectors critical to Canada's economic growth.
The transportation and warehousing sector contributed $96.5 billion directly to Canada's gross domestic product in 2024 and supports nearly one million jobs across Canada. From trucking and rail to marine, air and warehousing, workers in this sector keep goods moving, connect communities and support Canada's domestic and international supply chains. As employers in this sector respond to persistent labour shortages, technological changes and increasing demand for workers, a coordinated national workforce plan is essential to help recruit and support the workers needed for the future growth of this sector.
Led by Trucking HR Canada, in partnership with CIFFA - Canada's Association of Logistics Providers, the new Transportation and Supply Chain Alliance will bring together employers, educators, labour organizations and Indigenous partners to identify workforce challenges and develop coordinated solutions. The Alliance will support initiatives to strengthen skills development, attract new talent, adapt to new technology and improve collaboration across the sector.
The Transportation and Supply Chain Workforce Alliance follows the launch of the Mining and Minerals Workforce Alliance and the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Alliance. Together, these support Canada's efforts to address labour market challenges in priority sectors by bringing partners together to develop workforce solutions that help create more opportunities for workers while giving employers access to the skilled talent they need.
