The committee met to study the changing landscape of truck drivers in Canada, hearing from Peter Verleysen, a family member of a victim; Canada Post executives Doug Ettinger and Alexandre Brisson; and port and marine representatives Daniel-Robert Gooch, David Rivest, and Mike Uberoi.
Peter Verleysen testified about the death of his sister, Gail, who was killed in 2021 when a transport truck struck her vehicle. He described a legal process plagued by delays, with the accused—a foreign national on a work visa—leaving Canada after his passport expired, and extradition proceedings still incomplete. Verleysen recommended that accused individuals’ passports be seized upon charge, that driver-facing cameras be mandated to aid investigations, that victims’ families receive faster resolution and access to autopsy reports, and that the justice system be overhauled to prioritize victims over accused.
Doug Ettinger stated that Canada Post does not engage contractors under the Driver Inc. model and fully supports its elimination across Canada. He described a rigorous procurement process with a supplier code of conduct, stringent contract terms, and over 1,500 audits in 2025, with 17 drivers removed and 12 lanes replaced. Alexandre Brisson added that subcontractors are audited the same as direct contractors, including on-site and street observations. When pressed on reports that 25 Canada Post contractors allegedly used Driver Inc., Ettinger said the corporation found no evidence of violations but committed to investigate any new information provided.
Daniel-Robert Gooch, representing the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, highlighted a $15–$21.5 billion infrastructure gap at ports by 2040 and called for modernized borrowing limits, a 12-month deadline for federal board appointments, expanded permitted activities for ports, and continued support for the trade diversification corridors fund. He noted that Bill C-33 previously included the board appointment deadline and urged its reinstatement in future legislation.
David Rivest, from Desgagnés Transarctik, emphasized the importance of medium-sized and Arctic-serving ports, citing infrastructure deficiencies that reduce efficiency, such as quay load limits at La Romaine that cut container capacity by 50%. He recommended that Transport Canada treat these ports as strategic trade infrastructure, that federal project evaluation prioritize industrial enablement and cargo adaptability, and that customs and bonded-area capabilities be improved. He also criticized a government subsidy favouring rail over marine transport for steel, arguing it creates unfair competition and harms regional ports.
Mike Uberoi, from Melford Atlantic Gateway, described his project as a shovel-ready greenfield deepwater container port in Nova Scotia, with all permits secured and first nations investment in place. He noted that Canada’s east coast container market share fell from 7.3% to 2.8% over 35 years, while the west coast grew by 300% after federal investment. He recommended that Melford be recognized as a national strategic asset and that shovel-ready infrastructure investments be prioritized, adding that the port could complement Halifax and Montreal by handling big ships and transshipment.
The committee did not debate any motions or procedural matters during this meeting.
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