Among the first to celebrate the nation’s truck drivers ahead of this week’s National Trucking Week 2006 was Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Canada’s chief executive noted that Canada’s supply chain and trade with the U.S. is “dependent on the professionalism and dedication of the thousands of individuals who keep Canada’s freight moving,” he wrote in a letter to the Canadian Trucking Association.

PM Stephen Harper says Canadians are thankful
for truck drivers’ hard work

National Trucking Week 2006, which runs September 17 to 23, is a celebration in recognition of the important contributions made by the 400,000 Canadian men and women who keep the country’s freight moving. The week also serves as a platform enabling the trucking associations to deliver important information to the community about the vital role of the trucking industry.

“Each year members of the trucking industry and industry suppliers come up with a wide variety of ways to recognize truck drivers and other employees,” says OTA Communications Manager, Rebecka Torn. “Trucking company executives have washed and fueled trucks for their drivers. Employees have enjoyed complimentary breakfasts and barbecues courtesy of their employers and all sorts of tokens of appreciation have been presented to employees.

“This year, for example, Bison Transport will be hosting a BBQ at the company’s Mississauga facility at noon on Friday, September 22.
And truck stops have poured complimentary cups of coffee or offered slices of fresh pie to truck drivers.”

Other Canadian carriers across the nation, like Challenger Motor freight, are holding similar events. Challenger drivers will receive clothing apparel and are invited to a large BBQ with contests and prizes across three larger Challenger terminals.

“This week celebrates the trucking industry and, of course, its people – the men and women who spend countless hours on our nation’s highways, ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of goods,” says Harper. “I would like to offer my personal thanks to the members of our nation’s trucking community. I am aware of the skill, professionalism and personal sacrifice involved in getting the job done, and I commend you for your dedication to this essential contributor to our nation’s economic vitality and success.”