The Federal Court of Appeal has approved the construction of CN Rail's $250-million rail-and-truck hub in Milton, Ontario, dismissing environmental concerns.
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The Federal Court of Appeal has approved the construction of CN Rail's $250-million rail-and-truck hub in Milton, Ontario, dismissing environmental concerns. The court found that the federal government had adequately addressed health and environmental impacts before granting approval.
AI has the potential to significantly enhance the transportation sector by improving safety and efficiency and by reducing operational costs, according to the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA). AI applications such as route optimization, freight matching, autonomous driving and predictive maintenance can bring considerable benefits. However, NMFTA warns that these advancements come with risks, including cybersecurity threats and concerns over data privacy, particularly when using third-party AI tools. Companies need to address these risks and ensure compliance with varying legal frameworks across different jurisdictions to maximize AI's benefits while safeguarding sensitive information.
The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has approved the sale of Pride Group Logistics, a division under creditor protection, to its founding Johal family for more than $56 million. This decision came after a contentious process, with creditors and industry players opposing the sale. Justice Peter Osborne, however, supported the sale, seeing it as the best option to preserve jobs and avoid the costly shutdown of operations. The transaction was seen as preferable to the alternative wind-down, despite the distrust and opposition from various stakeholders, who voiced concerns about the Johal family's role in the company's financial troubles.
A tentative agreement has been reached between the Grain Workers Union Local 333 and the Vancouver Terminal Elevators' Association, ending a strike that had halted grain shipments at Metro Vancouver terminals. The federal Labour Minister, Steven MacKinnon, announced the deal, which still requires ratification by union members. The strike, which involved about 600 workers, had raised concerns among Canadian grain producers, as it coincided with the harvest season and risked significant financial losses in exports.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has appointed Treasury Board President Anita Anand as the new Minister of Transport following the resignation of Pablo Rodriguez from Cabinet. Rodriguez, who has long served as a key figure in Trudeau's cabinet, stepped down to pursue the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party. Although Rodriguez remains the Member of Parliament for Honoré-Mercier, he will sit as an Independent MP until the leadership race begins next year. Anand’s appointment comes amid broader speculation of a potential cabinet reshuffle.
Gardewine Group has acquired Westman Courier & Freight, a Winnipeg-based company specializing in small parcel to full truckload services across Manitoba and into Thunder Bay, Ontario. The acquisition, which closed on October 1, 2024, will allow Gardewine to expand its service network in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. Westman, with a fleet of 75 trucks and vans, will benefit from Gardewine's broader service options and experience, while both companies share a strong commitment to serving their customers and communities.
The ongoing protests in Brampton highlight the complexities surrounding the Driver Inc. model, where truck drivers are often misclassified as independent contractors instead of employees. Many of these drivers, some of whom chose the model for its tax advantages, are now facing alleged wage theft and are calling for stronger enforcement from lawmakers. While some drivers willingly embraced the model to increase their take-home pay by writing off expenses, others claim they were pressured into incorporating. Critics argue that Driver Inc. puts a burden on taxpayers and creates unfair competition for law-abiding companies. Although these drivers now seek government intervention, their initial participation in the model complicates the situation.
Navistar will rebrand as International Motors, effective October 1, 2024, as part of its broader transformation under the Traton Group. The rebranding is said to reflect the company's strategic goals of simplifying customer operations, leveraging solutions, and forming long-term partnerships. While the IC Bus and Fleetrite brands will remain separate, they will fall under the International portfolio.
