OTTAWA (May 5) — The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) has taken a significant step in strengthening its resources by appointing Peter Baird as customs and trade advisor.

The well-respected Baird, recently retired from Canadian Freightways, has been an active player with trucking associations throughout Canada. He’s a past chairman of the Ontario Trucking Association.

In his new role, Baird will advise and represent CTA on Canada/U.S. customs and related issues.

“We are delighted that someone of Peter Baird’s stature within the industry and government circles is available to join the CTA team,” said CTA chief executive officer David Bradley. “We have long wanted to strengthen our presence in the customs and trade arena and with Peter we get instant credibility.”

This is the third major appointment by the CTA in recent months. Earlier this year, Ottawa lobbyist Massimo Bergamini became its vice president of government and public affairs. Last month, former telecommunications lobbyist Richard Cavanagh was hired as director of public affairs and research.

Said Bradley, “With Graham Cooper as senior vice president, the special skills of people like Peter Baird, Rolf Vanderzwaag (maintenance), Livio Coltrinari and Ron Mosey (industrial relations), along with the assistance of managers and professional staff of the other provincial associations, CTA now has the basis for a strong industry lobby on a variety of fronts.”