TORONTO, Ont. — Julie Tanguay, former president of L.E. Walker Transport has stepped down as chairperson of the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA).

Tanguay has served as OTA chair since November 2008. L.E. Walker Transport was acquired by MacKinnon Transport in August, but Walker was placed under creditor protection on Dec. 8.

“I do not want the recent changes in my business circumstances to become a distraction for OTA and I am therefore stepping aside as the OTA chairperson, effective immediately,” Tanguay said in a release. “I want to thank all of those members who have supported me through this time. Being the chair of OTA is a great honour and I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity. OTA is an incredible organization that I will continue to support and be involved with in the years ahead.”

David Bradley, president of the OTA thanked Tanguay for her years of service.

“I know how difficult a decision this is for Julie,” he said. “She was a terrific chairperson and is a true leader. She has been a beacon of common sense and responsible trucking throughout her career and I have no doubt will continue to be so.”

The OTA says Mark Seymour, president of Kriska Transportation will serve as acting chairman. A full election will be held at the association’s annual general meeting in November.