OBAC forms ties with US counterpart

Avatar photo

OTTAWA, Ont. — The Owner-Operators’ Business Association of Canada (OBAC) has teamed up with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) to represent the interests of owner/operators on both sides of the border.

The two groups pledge to provide a unified voice on trucking issues in Canada and the US, according to Joanne Ritchie, executive director of OBAC. The decision to work together was reached during OOIDA’s recent board of directors meeting.

“OOIDA has tremendous influence in the US, and its voice is taken very seriously by all levels of government in that country. OBAC is excited to be joining forces with OOIDA so we can, together, address issues of concern to Canadian owner/operators and drivers on our side of the border as well,” said Ritchie. “This affiliation will have a huge positive impact on moving OBAC forward; we’ll benefit from OOIDA’s 33 years of insight and experience, as well as the depth of knowledge represented by OOIDA’s board and executive committee. And two strong associations with a common purpose will benefit truckers North American-wide.”

Both groups will maintain their autonomy in name and membership, Ritchie pointed out. However, she added the two associations will share resources.

“We’ll be looking at the excellent array of OOIDA’s programs and services to determine what might be modified or adapted for the Canadian market, or used as templates to build our own,” she said. “Insurance and fuel programs will be important, as these represent critical, big-ticket items for owner/ops.”

OOIDA president and CEO, Jim Johnston, said OOIDA’s Canadian members will be winners as a result of the affiliation.

“An OOIDA/OBAC partnership will enable us to have an increased presence with the Canadian government, which will benefit both our US members who travel to Canada and our Canadian members as well,” Johnston said.

Avatar photo

Truck News is Canada's leading trucking newspaper - news and information for trucking companies, owner/operators, truck drivers and logistics professionals working in the Canadian trucking industry.


Have your say


This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.

*