A New Year, a New Era

One cannot introduce a new year like 2025 without talking about the January 20th inauguration. The effect that Trump has on Canada is more bluster than bluff, but… it’s still a lot of bluster. Trump could install tariffs, but that’s not his goal… his objective is sound borders and safe streets. So, why do people and ‘news’ platforms keep scare-mongering the tariff ‘punch line’? Simply put… click bait and ignorance, neither of which is very impressive. I think Provincial leaders rattle the tariff cages because the border is mostly a federal issue. Provinces feel helpless when threatened yet have no control over eliminating the threat. I suppose, welcome to Canadian politics.

Personally, I believe his request for border security is a request long overdue and should be very mutual. Canada, historically, had a very noble and mature immigration program. Much thought and intentions were put into our national immigration policies over the decades. It seemed to work well for us until a few years ago when caution and long-term planning was thrown into the wind. Drugs flowed without check and those we let in hardly followed the time-tested standards. It’s time to do our share of the ‘checking’. Threatening with tariffs is the fastest way to leverage the Republican’s campaign border promises so that’s what Trump used.

Sometime in the first day or two after the inauguration, I suspect the new administration will announce new programs, among others “drill baby drill”. The opening up of oil and gas under US authority will affect the trucking industry in two ways: increased economic activity in the oil and gas industry in North America and the reduction of fuel costs in the medium-long term. Lower fuel costs will reduce trucking costs and should further stimulate economic growth. 

Our dollar most likely will remain low because of our government policies of overspending (among others). In addition to that, our currency is usually tied to the price of oil. When the oil spout is turned on, the price will drop and put pressure on our dollar to be low (lower). A low Canadian dollar is usually good for exports. 

So, in my opinion, a boom is about to come… though we don’t know when the full force of it will hit. It could be a year; it could be two before full employment is felt. A lot can happen in two years, but the future seems to have more light in it than darkness for trucking.

I’m a HUGE fan of the proposed USA DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency). When Elon Musk took over X (formerly twitter) and reduced the workforce by 80%, I was truly inspired. If they can reduce government regulation and bureaucracy by 30-40%, it will revolutionize the US economy.

Maybe our Canadian political parties are taking note of the changes in global policy desires. Maybe Canada can be inspired to promote a little DOGE of our own.

Change seems to be coming to many countries. If Argentina is any prelude to good policy and its impact on an economy, we are in for a wild ride. President Javier Milei is a fan of Trump, and he is a real character. He is changing the future of Argentina from trash to potential.

I was a fan of Trump before he was even in politics. I read several of his books and enjoyed his sarcasm and humour. His 2024 campaign was meme-filled hilarity. He is truly a master troller.

There will be changes between Canada and the US. We should probably accept the future that border crossings and security issues will most likely change. Probably for the better; for the safer. It may cost us all some time but it’s worth the cost for a neighbor like our US partners.

I’m not sure if many of the changes will be made before we lose the Governor (aka: Prime Minister) of our great State (aka: Canada).

If you wish to learn more about the industry, check out our PODCASTS at “Making Your Miles Count” on YouTube or simply pop onto our website and scroll through our history. 

Happy New Year!

About the Author:
Robert D. Scheper is a leading Accountant and Consultant exclusively serving the Lease/Owner operator industry in Canada. His first book in the Making Your Miles Count series “taxes, taxes, taxes” was released in 2007. His second book “Choosing a Trucking company” is the most in-depth analysis of the independent operator industry today. He has a Master’s degree (MBA) in financial management and has been serving the industry since he and his wife came off the road in 1993. His dedication, commitment and strong opinions can be read and heard in many articles and seminars.

You can find him at www.makingyourmilescount.com or 1-877-987-9787.