January 23, 2025 | Category: Compass Leader Survey

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2025 Compass Report: Disruptions and Political Risks Takes Center Stage

WESTAC’s annual Compass Report analyzes the business and transportation outlook of executives and leaders in business, labour and government across Canada’s transportation industry. This year’s findings reveal a pivotal shift, with productivity gaps, ongoing disruptions, and systemic inefficiencies emerging as critical concerns impacting competitiveness and supply chain reliability.

Survey respondents identified disruptions— including collective bargaining disputes, climate-related events, and geopolitical instability—as both the number one business and transportation challenge.

Disruptions now account for 64% of anticipated transportation challenges, nearly double last year’s figure. This dramatic increase highlights the urgency of addressing systemic weaknesses, from insufficient infrastructure to recurring labour instability. Political uncertainty adds further complexity—President Trump’s return raises the prospect of protectionist trade policies, while Prime Minister Trudeau’s resignation risks stalling critical domestic decisions.

The Compass Report also examines:

• The top five business and transportation challenges
• Industry perspectives on productivity and its link to global competitiveness
• Calls for targeted infrastructure investments and regulatory reform

Download the full 2025 Compass 2025 Report to explore the insights shaping the future of Western Canada’s supply chains.

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About the Compass Report
The annual Compass Report highlights critical insights, expectations and plans articulated by business, labour and government executives across Canada’s transportation industry. The survey is revised annually to reflect shifting trends and events. The report has become a well-read barometer of the state of transportation that identifies the major sectoral issues. The 2025 Compass Report is the 8th annual report.

About WESTAC 
WESTAC is a council of organizations in the transportation sector represented by senior decision-makers. WESTAC’s members span all aspects of freight transportation in Canada. They include carriers and logistics providers, ports and terminals, shippers, labour unions, and three levels of government. Members represent a significant share of the Western Canadian economy. We focus on critical issues that affect Western Canada’s freight transportation network to ensure that it is sustainable, safe, efficient, reliable, and competitive.