Canadian truck dealers warn they can’t buy new models until feds fix paperwork

OTTAWA — Canadian heavy-duty truck dealers are warning the economy is at risk of coming under further strain, because they won’t be able to import any new models next year unless Ottawa moves quickly to fix a paperwork problem.

At a press conference on Parliament Hill today, the head of the Canadian Truck Dealers Association said the problem arose after the United States changed how it certifies emissions standards for trucks built there. U.S. companies provide 95 per cent of Canada’s supply.

“If Canada faces a shortage of heavy trucks, the impact will extend far beyond our industry,” Kevin Disher said.

“This issue affects every major sector of the Canadian economy. Shipping, infrastructure, construction, forestry, mining, agricultural. If trucks become more difficult or more expensive to access, those costs move throughout the supply chain and ultimately impact Canadian businesses and households.”