CHARLOTTETOWN, (Oct. 29, 2004) — Canada’s top truck driver was named at the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association convention today.

Georges L. Leblanc, a 33-year veteran driver with Armour Transportation Systems in Moncton, N.B, has been named the 2004 Canadian Trucking Association/Volvo Trucks Canada National Driver of the Year — an award presented for the 29th time to a driver who demonstrates a high-level of professionalism both on and off the road, courtesy, and sometimes bravery, at roadside.

Leblanc was selected from provincial drivers of the year across the country.

Leblanc has driven more than 5.2 million collision-free kilometers on some of Canada’s most difficult highways. For more than 10 years he operated to and from Newfoundland, where the mountainous roads, wind, snow and moose are sometimes hazardous. As a result, he has been able to assist several motorists throughout the years.

A number of years ago, while he was driving east of St. John, Mr. Leblanc was able to assist a truck driver who had been involved in a fatal collision with a car that crashed into his vehicle. On another occasion in Nova Scotia, a car driving in front of him lost control after its driver suffered a fatal heart attack. Mr. Leblanc was able to provide assistance to the car’s passenger, who was the elderly wife of the driver, until the authorities arrived.

“Georges is exactly what we want in our industry for the perfect highway professional operator,” said company president Wesley Armour. “He is extremely good at his job, smart, has a positive attitude, very caring for others, excellent with customers, an outstanding safe driver. Most of all, he is just an outstanding individual.”

Leblanc is also very active in his community. He volunteers at various events, including the Acadian Games, which helped raise money for a van for the physically and mentally challenged people that work for this group. He takes part in bottle drives to raise money to help people in need of medical assistance, and was a volunteer driver for the community handicap bus for several years.

In honour of his achievements, Mr. Leblanc will receive a trip for two to any destination of his choice within Canada, a $1,000 cash prize and a personal trophy courtesy of Volvo Trucks Canada Inc.