CALGARY, AB, Aug. 24, 2026 /CNW/ -- 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.

Quotes

"Our supply chains are only as strong as the people who run them. Through this Alliance, we are bringing industry, labour and training providers together to deliver the exact skills workers need and employers are searching for. Together with our partners, we are safeguarding Canada's trade corridors, strengthening communities and building an economy where every worker has a place."
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

"This investment is an important step toward a stronger, more coordinated workforce strategy for Canada's transportation and supply chain system. Building on our track record of collaboration and delivery of practical, meaningful programs, we will bring industry and workforce partners together to tackle shared challenges, strengthen workforce intelligence and deliver results. We are proud to lead this work and help ensure Canada's transportation workforce is ready to support the country's evolving economic and supply chain needs."
– Angela Splinter, President and CEO, Trucking HR Canada

"CIFFA is proud to partner with Trucking HR Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada in establishing the Transportation and Supply Chain Workforce Alliance. As the supply chain sector continues to evolve, this initiative represents an important opportunity for industry leaders, labour groups, governments, and workforce partners to collaborate on innovative, employer-led solutions that address labour shortages, skills development, workforce mobility, and future talent needs. We are excited to help build a stronger, more resilient workforce that will support Canada's economic growth and supply chain competitiveness for years to come."
– Bruce Rodgers, Executive Director, CIFFA - Canada's Association of Logistics Providers

"The Transportation and Supply Chain Workforce Alliance is an opportunity to promote collaboration and growth in this vital area of Canada's economy and provides students opportunities to learn from industry experts and expand employment options. As a student in supply chain management, I'm grateful to the Minister Hadju and the Government of Canada, Trucking HR Canada and CIFFA for supporting and leading this important initiative."
– Sophia Greco, student, supply chain management, Mount Royal University

Quick facts

• The Transportation and Supply Chain Workforce Alliance will focus on tackling critical labour shortages and representation gaps across Canada's multimodal supply chains which span road, rail, air, marine and warehousing. By aligning training with real-time employer needs, this Alliance aims to streamline skills development, accelerate technology integration and strengthen the frontline workforce that keeps trade and passenger corridors moving smoothly.

Relevant recent Government of Canada investments:

• National Trade Corridors Fund: $4.6 billion over 11 years (2017-2028) to make important investments in transportation supply chain projects across Canada. These investments improve trade gateways, resulting in significant advantages for the Canadian economy. 
• Major Projects Office: Fast-tracks nation-building projects such as the Contrecœur Container Terminal Project, which will give Eastern Canada the trading infrastructure it needs to keep goods moving, meet growing demand, and diversify trade routes. It will strengthen supply chains, create thousands of jobs, and generate approximately $140 million annually in local and national economic benefits across Quebec and Canada. 
• Canada Public Transit Fund - $30 billion investment over the first 10 years to expand public transit and make it more accessible across the country. This will help more people live near transit, create good-paying jobs, grow the economy, and make transit systems better for everyone. 

Related products

• Backgrounder on Workforce Alliances

Associated links

• Prime Minister Carney launches new measures to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries | Prime Minister of Canada
• Minister Hajdu announces actions to grow and protect workers
• Powering Canada's Future: A Clean Electricity Strategy
• Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy
• The Government of Canada announces the launch of the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Alliance
• Minister Hajdu and industry leaders launch the Mining and Minerals Workforce Alliance

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada