Manitoba Trucking Association Calls for “Trusted Employer” Certification to Strengthen Protections for Migrant Workers

The Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA) is urging governments to introduce a “trusted employer” certification model within Canadian immigration programs, aiming to reduce worker exploitation and strengthen protections for foreign workers employed in the trucking industry. The proposal reflects growing concern over labour trafficking, illegal employment practices, and uneven enforcement across the sector.

The association’s executive director, Aaron Dolyniuk, has raised the issue directly with Manitoba’s labour and immigration officials and plans to bring the proposal to the federal government in early 2026. According to the MTA, existing immigration frameworks often apply the same standards across all industries, even though trucking presents unique operational and regulatory challenges.

Why The Trucking Industry Faces Higher Risks

Trucking companies that rely on migrant labour often deal with complex onboarding requirements, including commercial driver licensing, safety certifications, and compliance with transportation regulations. Workers arriving through immigration streams may be unfamiliar with provincial licensing systems, labour protections, or their rights under Canadian law.

Industry leaders argue that gaps in oversight allow some employers to exploit foreign workers through underreported payrolls, improper contracts, or unsafe working conditions. These practices can leave workers financially vulnerable and reluctant to report mistreatment due to fears around job security or immigration status.

What The Proposed Certification Would Require

Under the MTA’s proposal, trucking companies seeking to hire foreign workers through federal or provincial immigration programs would need to obtain “trusted employer” certification. To qualify, employers would be required to demonstrate:

• A clean labour compliance record verified by an independent auditor
• The ability to properly onboard foreign workers, including assistance with driver licensing and social insurance registration
• Accurate payroll reporting and adherence to wage and hour standards
• Workforce capacity that aligns with fleet size and operational needs

Certified employers would then present proof of certification when applying to hire foreign workers under immigration pathways such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or provincial nominee streams.

Link To Broader Anti-Trafficking Efforts

The proposal builds on ongoing awareness campaigns launched by the Manitoba Trucking Association in partnership with Winnipeg Crime Stoppers and the Joy Smith Foundation. These campaigns aim to encourage reporting of labour trafficking and exploitation within the industry and have already generated increased public engagement.

Data shared by advocacy organizations has raised alarm. Nearly forty percent of trucking companies that hired foreign workers through Labour Market Impact Assessments between 2019 and 2023 have since closed. Additionally, audits conducted by Manitoba’s Workers Compensation Board found payroll underreporting among several trucking firms, a practice often associated with worker mistreatment.

Government Response So Far

While Manitoba’s deputy minister of labour and immigration acknowledged the association’s engagement, officials have not directly commented on whether the certification proposal will be adopted. The MTA expects further discussions in 2026 and plans to advocate for a national framework that applies consistently across provinces.

Experts in migration policy note that enforcement, rather than regulation alone, remains a critical challenge. Even where rules exist, insufficient oversight can leave migrant workers exposed.

Why Industry-Specific Solutions Matter

Unlike other sectors, trucking involves long-haul travel, isolated working conditions, and dependency on employer-provided documentation. These factors can increase vulnerability for migrant workers, especially those new to Canada.

Advocates argue that a trusted employer model could help distinguish responsible employers from bad actors while creating stronger safeguards for workers. Employers would likely bear the cost of certification, but industry leaders believe the investment would improve workforce stability and public confidence. The Manitoba Trucking Association’s push for a trusted employer certification highlights growing concern over worker protection in immigration-linked employment. As Canada continues to rely on migrant labour to address transportation and supply chain needs, targeted safeguards may become essential to ensuring fair treatment, lawful hiring, and long-term industry sustainability.