OTTAWA, Ont. – Industry veteran John Cyopeck has been chosen to lead the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) through the many challenges expected over the next two years.

Cyopeck, 60, president and CEO of Canpar Transport, one of the country’s largest courier/small parcel companies, has spent almost 50 years in the industry.

Not one to shy away from a challenge he is widely credited with engineering the turnaround at Canpar in the 1990s before it was purchased by the Transforce Income Fund in 2002, where it continues its strong performance. However, it is Cyopeck’s latest challenge that has trucking executives from across North America in awe of his bravery and positive attitude.

On Feb. 1, Cyopeck was diagnosed with a brain tumour, which was excised on Feb. 16.

Tests showed that the tumour was malignant and he is now embarking upon a series of treatments.

Throughout his ordeal, Cyopeck has continued to amaze his friends and colleagues in the industry with his positive outlook, his feistiness and his drive to take on the responsibilities of the CTA chairmanship.

“Bravery is an attribute that rarely appears in press releases associated with announcements of business appointments or job promotions.

“However, it is a personal trait that John Cyopeck will bring to the job of chairman of the Canadian Trucking Alliance,” the CTA said in a release.

In his acceptance speech at CTA’s annual general meeting, Cyopeck said “it is with great pride that I accept the chairmanship of the Canadian Trucking Alliance.”

Cyopeck is the first chairman in the history of the CTA to represent the courier/small parcel segment.

“I am a trucker and proud of it, this is a great honour,” Cyopeck said in his acceptance speech.

He added that “the next two years, will no doubt be as challenging as ever for the Canadian trucking industry and for CTA,” citing border concerns, new hours of service regulations, changes to labour standards, environmental issues and an unpredictable economy.