The Saskatchewan Trucking Association says it supports the provincial government’s ongoing enforcement efforts against trucking companies accused of exploiting foreign workers and violating immigration rules.
Susan Ewart, executive director of the association, said the group backs measures taken under Saskatchewan’s Immigration Services Act, arguing that action against offending companies protects vulnerable workers while preserving trust in immigration programs used by the industry.
The comments follow recent charges laid against two Saskatchewan trucking companies. Regina-based Escalade Transportation and an individual named Hafiz Tariq Ayub were charged under The Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act, 2013, over alleged conduct between November 2022 and August 2023. The charges include producing or distributing false or misleading information, misrepresenting employment opportunities such as position, wages or benefits, and taking unfair advantage of a foreign national’s fear or lack of experience.
Separately, JD Trucking, which operates offices in Regina and Moose Jaw, and an individual named Jorawar Singh were charged under The Immigration Services Act, 2024, in connection with alleged conduct on or around April 9 near Regina. The charges against them relate to making or signing false statements or providing false, misleading or inaccurate information.
Exploitation Not Limited to Trucking, Says Association
Ewart said exploitation of newcomers is a real problem within the trucking sector but is not unique to it, noting similar issues have surfaced in other industries such as hospitality and restaurants. She said the trucking industry has come to rely heavily on immigration pathways in recent years to address labour shortages driven by an aging workforce and ongoing recruitment challenges.
While immigration programs have become an important resource for employers seeking workers, Ewart said they must be used responsibly. She cautioned against characterizing the entire trucking sector based on the actions of a small number of companies, stating that most carriers in Saskatchewan follow the rules and operate as law-abiding employers.
Ewart described immigration as just one tool among several available to address labour shortages in trucking, comparing it to “a tool in a toolbox that can help a carrier grow.” She said the industry continues to pursue other strategies as well, including efforts to attract younger workers through education and outreach, though recruitment remains an ongoing challenge.
Industry Push to Report Suspicious Activity
The association has also taken a direct role in identifying potential cases of labour exploitation. Ewart said the STA has partnered with Crime Stoppers and member company Arrow Delivery on a campaign called “See Something, Say Something,” designed to raise awareness of exploitation risks across the trucking industry.
As part of the initiative, trucking companies can request decals containing reporting information for placement on trailers, and drivers who witness suspicious activity are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers through a national tip line. Ewart said drivers are well positioned to notice signs of exploitation given how frequently they travel across Saskatchewan and the rest of Canada.
The association is also encouraging workers who believe they are being mistreated to come forward and seek assistance. Ewart said the STA wants to ensure individuals working in the trucking industry are supported and connected with the help they need.
Despite the recent charges, Ewart maintained that the Saskatchewan trucking industry is largely made up of professional, ethical employers and drivers, and said enforcement against violators ultimately helps create a fairer environment for compliant businesses and their workers.
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