Press Conference by Quebec Truckers: Urgent Call Against “Chauffeurs INC” Scheme and Road Safety Concerns
By Francis Tremblay
In a widely anticipated live broadcast, Steve Bourgeois, a leading figure in Quebec’s trucking industry, raised awareness about the growing threat posed by the “Chauffeurs INC” scheme, a practice that undermines the sector’s integrity. Joined by three other influential voices, Bourgeois presented the dangers of this practice, calling on the government and industry players to take action.
Setting the Record Straight on Rumors
Bourgeois began by addressing rumors circulating among Quebec truckers. In response to claims that a Facebook group had direct connections with Minister Geneviève Guilbault, he clarified, “The only people in contact with the Minister are those represented by the Quebec Trucking Association (ACQ).” His statement aimed to dispel misinformation that, he argued, damages the industry’s credibility.
The Four Spokespeople for the Cause
Bourgeois introduced three prominent allies, each committed to amplifying the voices of SMEs, owner-operators, and independent truckers:
• Steve Bourgeois: regulatory expert, trucker, and entrepreneur.
• Steve Mercier: experienced trucker and recognized influencer.
• Simon Mainville: trucker and owner of a transport business.
• Yan Raphael Primeau: trucker and head of a transport company.
The group announced a structured plan, including legal representation, a public relations firm, and Bourgeois’s enhanced involvement on the ARPQ board. This coalition aims to increase their influence and press the government to act.
An Ultimatum to the Government: “Ten Years is Too Long”
Despite ACQ’s efforts, the spokespeople highlighted the authorities’ continued inaction. Bourgeois issued a clear ultimatum: “We give the provincial government two weeks to respond to our requests. Ten years is too long, and if nothing changes, we will take action.”
“We will not wait ten years on our end. Impossible. Owner-operators, small businesses, cannot even wait until tomorrow. We will disrupt; we will make ourselves heard. One thing is certain: it is already difficult for people, and at no point will the public be held hostage! You can count on us.” – Steve Mercier
Mainville and Primeau expressed their refusal to allow decades of hard work to be sacrificed for those who bypass the law.
“I never, ever want to tell a family that one of my drivers had an accident,” said a saddened Yan Raphael Primeau.
“It costs us a fortune in legal compliance, safety standards, and equipment. Yet we get stopped by the CRQ while unfit trucks are allowed on the roads without issue. This is not normal,” added Simon Mainville, urging companies that support illegal and unsafe carriers over honest workers to reconsider their practices.
Projected Consequences for the Future of Trucking
The spokespeople warned of three major consequences if the “Chauffeurs INC” phenomenon goes unchecked, as outlined by major fleet owners:
1. Shift to “Chauffeur INC” Status: All truckers could eventually be pushed into precarious “Chauffeur INC” status.
2. Massive Job Losses: Large companies are already losing between $20 million to $40 million in revenue.
3. Company Closures: Numerous SMEs and even larger transport companies could shut down soon.
Ontario’s Inaction and Its Implications
The group criticized the Ford administration’s inaction in Ontario, where the situation has worsened. “Why would the Ontario government rush to act when all the money ends up in their own pockets?” Bourgeois asked, adding that the language barrier keeps the problem somewhat isolated from Quebec.
They also noted that the CRQ is prepared to move forward, though staff shortages remain a challenge, leading to inspection stations not being open 24/7. “It’s the managers we should hold accountable, not the staff,” Mercier said.
On average, Ontario experiences 25 heavy-truck accidents per day—an alarming statistic, Bourgeois pointed out.
Human Trafficking and Safety Concerns
One of the most shocking revelations from this press conference was the human trafficking issue within the transport industry. Inexperienced drivers are reportedly exploited and forced to work under appalling conditions. Mercier cited the case of a man confined to his truck in Alberta for 11 months, highlighting the scale of this exploitation.
A Call for Unity and Solidarity
Steve Bourgeois ended with a call for solidarity: “We will disrupt, and we will make ourselves heard. The public will never be held hostage by our actions. You can count on us.” Mainville and Primeau echoed this sentiment, vowing to protect the industry and the years of honest labor invested by workers.
To learn more and follow the progression of this movement, watch the live stream here: https://bit.ly/3O3coO5