NDP: Ford government’s patchwork response leaves Northern Ontarians exposed as trucking oversight gaps persist

QUEEN’S PARK – Northern Ontario NDP MPPs are raising concerns that the Ministry of Transportation is continuing to take reactive steps on trucking safety while failing to address known systemic problems in driver training and oversight.

Northern MPPs say the new requirement that drivers hold a full Class G license for six months before being eligible to take a Class A road test does little to address deeper, well-documented issues in Ontario’s commercial driver training program.

Earlier this year, the Auditor General identified serious concerns related to fraud and weak oversight within private truck driver training, including falsified training records, improper training, and inadequate auditing of training schools under both the Ministries of Transportation and Colleges and Universities.

Despite these findings, MPPs say there has been no comprehensive plan to strengthen oversight across the province.

“The government is not addressing the Auditor General’s findings and continues to implement Band-Aid solutions instead of real action to close the known gaps in our system,” said MPP Guy Bourgouin (Mushkegowuk—James Bay). “People across Northern Ontario rely on these highways every day. They deserve a government that treats road safety as a system, not just a series of announcements.”

“The change in licensing requirements is a step in the right direction. There is much work yet to do, and we need to keep the pressure up to keep families safe on our highways,” said MPP John Vanthof (Timiskaming—Cochrane).

“There is also documented evidence of fraud in G licensing, so adding the requirement of six months driving at the G level is no guarantee that a driver has learned even the most basic skills,” said MPP Lise Vaugeois (Thunder Bay—Superior North). “The Auditor General made it very clear that the lack of provincial oversight is the reason that unskilled drivers are receiving professional-level licenses. Unfortunately, the current move does nothing to force industry-players to follow the rules.”

Northern MPPs are calling on the Ford government to implement stronger oversight of private truck driver training schools including enforceable standards, regular inspections, and transparent accountability measures to ensure quality training across Ontario.