OTTAWA, Ont. — The inaugural Canadian Trucking Alliance Police Highway Interdiction Award was presented to Manitoba RCMP Constable Ken Walkden for his efforts to halt on-highway criminal activity. Walkden, who played a key role in the successful detection of criminal activity that led to a sizable drug seizure and apprehension of illegal aliens, was presented with his award in May at the 3rd annual National Pipeline/Convoy Workshop/Conference in Niagara Falls.

Being able to work in conjunction with law enforcement in fighting crime on and around our highways is a privilege for CTA and the trucking industry, says Canadian Trucking Alliance CEO David Bradley. We appreciate the opportunity to recognize the people whose job it is to perform this vital role.

The CTA-sponsored award will be presented annually to a front line individual or individuals who have made the most significant contributions towards the furtherance of Canadas National “Pipeline/Convoy/Jetway” program through the Commercial Motor Vehicle Interdiction Process in Canada for the year. The “Pipeline/Convoy/Jetway” program aims to detect criminality on the highways.

At the same awards ceremony, The Yanke Group of Companies received the Partnership in Highway Interdiction Award on behalf of the Canada Pipeline/Convoy/Jetway program for the companys unstinting assistance to the program. The award was presented to Scott Johnston, Yankes president and chief operating officer, who attended the conference as a guest speaker. In his capacity as corporate secretary of the Canadian Trucking Alliance, Scott Johnston also presented the inaugural CTA award to RCMP Constable Walkden.

Johnstons presentation was entitled, North American Transportation and the Ever Changing Supply Chain, and covered the risks the trucking industry must face and manage in the post 9/11 transportation environment. The conference was attended by approximately 210 police representatives from 36 different North American enforcement agencies.