TORONTO, Ont. — The Ontario Trucking Association’s (OTA’s) senior policy advisor, Barrie Montague, is retiring March 31.

He will continue to serve the industry as Commercial Vehicle Operators’ Registration (CVOR) facility audit consultant, the OTA has announced.

“The time is right,” said Montague. “Working for OTA has been a terrific experience, but with a new CVOR system having recently been introduced, and a new facility audit protocol on the way – and with the strong staff at OTA – I feel the best way for me to continue to make a contribution to the industry is to offer my services directly to the members who may have individual need of assistance in these areas.”

During his time with the OTA, Montague has had a unique vantage point and played a direct role in the development of the recently introduced CVOR system, and in the development of the new Ontario facility audit protocol, which comes into play in April, according to the OTA.

“Few people have made the contribution to the trucking industry in Ontario that Barrie has,” said OTA president, David Bradley. “He has done it all: from running a trucking company; to being a member of the OTA executive committee; and to being a key member of OTA’s staff. He provided us with a valuable dimension that will be very tough for us to replace. But, we are thrilled that we have come to an arrangement with Barrie, that will allow the members – and OTA – to continue to take advantage of his unique skill set.”

Montague joined the OTA in 1994, but first he served as the CEO of a major Ontario-based tank truck company and a member of the OTA board of directors rising to the level of vice chairman. He was also the chairman of the Washington, D.C.-based Tank Truck Carriers Association. The OTA said that Montague established himself as a technical and strategic expert in the regulatory compliance field, particularly as it relates to the CVOR system, facility audits, safety ratings and the transportation of dangerous goods.

In addition to providing consulting services to the members on a fee-for-service basis, Montague will continue as OTA’s and CTA’s technical expert on dangerous goods and tank truck matters, for the time being. He will also provide transportation of dangerous goods training on behalf of OTA, the association says.