OTTAWA, Ont. – The Owner-Operators’ Business Association of Canada (OBAC) has officially appointed Joanne Ritchie as its new full-time executive director. Ritchie takes over the reins from interim executive director Leo Van Tuyl.

“We are entering a new era in trucking where shippers are beginning to accept the true cost of safe, efficient, and responsive trucking services. OBAC will be working hard to ensure owner/operators can provide that service and are adequately compensated. We will make sure that the voice of the owner/operator is heard loud and clear,” says Ritchie. “I welcome the challenge of working with OBAC in making owner/operators a recognized voice within the Canadian trucking industry and helping them profit in this difficult and demanding business environment.”

Ritchie was recently trucking industry analyst with Industry Canada’s Automotive and Aerospace Branch working on issues such as border security, safety and regulatory reform.