Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland visited KJS Transport in Brampton as part of a cross country tour to share how the government is making life more affordable for Canadians. The event organized by the Ontario Dump Truck Association (ODTA) featured a facility tour followed by remarks. The Minister was joined by local MPs Shafqat Ali, Ruby Sahota, Maninder Sidhu and Sonia Sidhu.
“We are so honoured to have Minister Freeland visit our company,” said Tanvir Singh, Operations Manager at KJS Transport “My father Kulwant Singh and my uncle Jinder Singh Buttar started this business as new immigrants with one truck each back in 2002. Today KJS Trucking is a leader in the industry with more than 300 pieces of equipment, a mechanic shop, head office and over 150 diverse staff. My cousin Amrit Buttar and I are the next generation that will grow this family business and keep our trucking industry strong.”
The Minister heard first-hand about industry challenges and shared information about measures the Government of Canada is taking to help address inflation and other economic pressures.
“We know that Canadians are worried about inflation and that they’re asking what their government is going to do about it,” Said Minister Freeland. ” That’s why we have a new Affordability Plan that is going to make life more affordable for Canadians at a time when they need it most. For a couple here in Brampton, with an income of $45,000 and a child in daycare, this Affordability Plan could mean roughly an additional $7,600 on top of existing benefits—more than 16 per cent of their annual income—this fiscal year.”
Members of the Ontario Dump Truck Association (ODTA) were also on hand.
“The trucking industry is struggling with high gas prices, insurance rates, regulatory burdens and labour shortages,” said Bob Punia, Director of the ODTA. “That’s why it’s important that leaders like Minister Freeland meet with grassroots organizations and individuals to truly understand our concerns and work collaboratively to find solutions. We are very impressed that she has taken the time to learn about and recognize the importance of our essential sector that literally builds our homes, roads, infrastructure and keeps the economy moving.”
Brampton is a major Canadian transportation and logistics hub with thousands of direct and spin-off jobs generated in the region. Truckers were deemed essential and continued to work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
