TORONTO, Ont. – For the first time in Canada, the Women in Trucking Association celebrated female truck drivers with a Salute to Women Behind the Wheel at Truck World on April 16.

WIT worked together with Joanne Ritchie from OBAC to gather female drivers from all over Canada to recognize them at Truck World for the hard work and dedication they have to road and to the industry.
Salutes to women in the industry are common in the US, but have never seen a venue in Canada until today.

“We are making history,” said Ritchie to the crowd of female drivers present at the event. “This has been a long time coming since we’ve wanted to have a salute (in Canada) and we’ve been thinking about it for a long time…so we’re really happy to see so many (people) out here.”

Andreea Crisan, COO and executive v.p. of Andy Transport, was invited to say a few words of encouragement to the women drivers at the event and to thank them for “choosing transportation” as a career.

“I’m here today to thank you and thank the sponsors and those companies that encourage the employment of women, but most importantly the retention of women,” Crisan said. “Today is your day. Ladies, we’re here to celebrate you…so thank you for coming and let us celebrate your courage, your work and your commitment to the industry.”

After taking a celebratory photo in red WIT T-shirts, the female drivers were treated to refreshments, a variety of door prizes, including Fitbits and Kobo readers.

Ritchie and Voie said they expect many more salutes to Canadian female drivers at future industry events.