Trucking leaders gather in Toronto for 75th annual OTA convention

About 4,000 leaders of Canada’s trucking industry are set to gather in Toronto starting tomorrow to attend the Ontario Trucking Association’s 75th annual convention.

This year’s conference, held at the Regal Constellation Hotel, features a line up of thought-provoking speakers. Principal speakers this year include: global economic strategist Dr. Sherry Cooper and Ontario Transportation Minister Brad Clark who will deliver his Queen’s Park address (Thursday). Federal Transport Minister David Collenette will talk to delegates about Ottawa’s Vision for the Future of Freight Transportation (Friday).

Back by popular demand is Steve Paikin of TVO’s Studio 2, who will act as moderator at a discussion of the Future of the Canada-US Border in the post-Sept. 11 World from a trucking perspective (Thursday). And on Friday, truck engine manufacturers will talk to delegates about how recent technological advances are making today’s trucks “green machines”.

Convention attendees can also look forward to popular CityTV anchor/host Mark Dailey who is master of ceremonies at the convention’s prestigious opening and awards ceremony. Political commentator John Stall of 680News moderates a session called “Should Anything be done with Freight Brokers?” (Friday).

To help keep the industry abreast of ever-changing technology a two-day Technology Exhibit (Thursday 10 am 3 pm /Friday 10 am 1pm) will spotlight suppliers of products and services who will preview the latest communications, internet and wireless applications (Lower Galaxy Foyer).

For the complete convention line up and ticket information, please visit OTA’s web site www.ontruck.org or contact Ontario Trucking Association at (416) 249-7401.