Operators appeal to City Council for fee relief amid declining clientele
Driving school operators in Brampton are sounding the alarm as federal immigration policy changes drastically reduce their customer base, threatening the survival of their businesses.
Speaking at a Brampton City Council committee meeting, Ratish Saini, owner of Brilliant Drivers School, highlighted the urgent need for financial relief on licensing and plate fees to prevent the industry from collapsing.
“This is not just a business concern,” Saini emphasized. “It impacts the livelihood of families who depend on this industry.”
Recent federal government reductions in temporary foreign student programs, temporary foreign worker programs, and overall immigration levels have significantly impacted industries that rely heavily on newcomers.
Saini explained that nearly 95% of driving school customers are new immigrants seeking to obtain a driver’s license, often a critical first step to securing employment in Canada.
“Learning to drive is one of the first things newcomers do when they arrive,” Saini said. “Brampton, being a hub for new immigrants, has been the backbone of our business. But over the past six months, I’ve seen an 80% drop in customers.”
Adding to this, Gurpreet Kaith, a veteran driving instructor, shared his perspective on the deteriorating situation.
“I’ve been in this industry for over a decade, and I’ve never seen such a steep decline in clients,” Kaith said. “It’s heartbreaking because many of us built our livelihoods on helping new immigrants integrate into Canadian society by teaching them essential skills like driving. Now, with fewer immigrants arriving, we’re struggling to make ends meet.”
Kaith also expressed concerns about the long-term effects on Brampton’s economy.
“This isn’t just about driving schools. If newcomers can’t access essential services like driving lessons, their ability to find jobs and contribute to the local economy will also suffer,” he added.
To mitigate the impact of these changes, Saini, Kaith, and other operators are urging the city to consider waiving or reducing licensing fees.
“Without some financial relief, there’s no clear path to recovery,” Saini stated. “Despite these challenges, we remain committed to serving our community.”
Currently, driving schools pay several hundred dollars annually in fees, which vary depending on the services they offer.
Wards 9 & 10 Councillor Harkirat Singh recognized the crucial role driving schools play in the community and expressed concern about the potential consequences of inaction.
“If these operators don’t find relief, it could lead to illegal instruction, turning many schools into underground operations,” Singh warned.
In response, Brampton City Council has asked staff to review the fee structure and present recommendations before April, when most license renewals are due.
For now, driving school operators like Saini and Kaith remain hopeful that the city will take swift action to help them weather the storm and keep their businesses afloat.