Trucker Delays at Canada-U.S. Border Due to IT System Outage
Cross-border truck drivers experienced significant delays this week due to an IT system outage at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Some drivers faced waits of over 30 hours to cross into Ontario, impacting trade and the supply chain. The Minister of Public Safety has demanded a report from the CBSA within 30 days.
CBSA Outage Causes and Impact
The CBSA outage, which began on Sunday and lasted into Tuesday, caused a backlog that snarled commercial traffic for days. According to a spokesperson, Minister Gary Anandasangaree has requested a report outlining the cause of the outage and a plan to prevent future occurrences. The outage impacted CBSA operations, leaving some truck drivers stranded for up to 36 hours.
Trucking Industry Reaction
"This is just not good from a human factor, from an economic factor," stated Stephen Laskowski, president and CEO of the Canadian Trucking Alliance. He added, "And the timing couldn't be worse." The delays have raised concerns about the efficiency of the border and its impact on the automotive industry's "just-on-time" delivery model.
Driver Experiences
Yves Doiron, a long-haul truck driver from New Brunswick, spent over 30 hours at a truck stop in New York due to the outage. He reported lost income and time with his family. While acknowledging some compensation, Doiron noted that it wasn't equivalent to his usual earnings while driving. He also mentioned that border shutdowns seem to be happening more frequently.
Economic Concerns and Supply Chain
Laskowski highlighted the delays at the New York to Ontario crossings and noted that similar issues at the Michigan to Ontario crossings are critical for the automotive industry. He warned that these delays send the wrong signal to Washington, potentially impacting the North American supply chain. Laskowski emphasized that IT system failures have become increasingly common, leading to growing frustration within the trucking industry.
Call for Investment in IT Infrastructure
Laskowski stressed the need to prioritize investment in the CBSA's IT infrastructure. He lauded the CBSA officers for their efforts and agency officials who advocate for necessary IT upgrades. He compared the situation to the Gordie Howe Bridge project, arguing that IT investments are crucial for facilitating trade and nation-building. He called on cabinet to recognize that upgrading the IT infrastructure is just as important as improving the physical infrastructure at the border.
