Join Jimmy Mac for a special edition of Canada Calling with Joanne Ritchie and Jim Park of the Owner-Operator’s Business Association of Canada (OBAC). This episode covers the heartwarming tradition of Nova Scotia sending a 45-foot Christmas tree to Boston every year, a gesture that began in 1918 as thanks for Boston’s relief efforts following the Halifax Explosion. Joanne and Jim share the history, the journey of the tree, and its role in reinforcing cross-border friendship.

The conversation also dives into practical winter trucking advice, including reading road conditions, identifying icy patches, and navigating bridges safely. Jim breaks down tips that are crucial for both new and experienced drivers to stay safe during winter driving. They also discuss recent efforts in Ontario to inspect and regulate driving schools to improve road safety and licensing standards.

Stay informed and inspired with this mix of history, culture, and professional trucking insight.

Follow OBAC online at https://www.obac.ca and connect with Radio Nemo at / radionemoonline

Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows and segments anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen live on YouTube, Facebook, iHeart, and RadioNemo.com!

Jimmy Mac talks with Joanne Ritchie and Jim Park from the Owner-Operator’s Business Association of Canada (OBAC) about the latest news in Canadian trucking. Joanne highlights National Tank Services in Sarnia, Ontario, which just celebrated 20 years and 7,300 consecutive days without a lost time injury—a remarkable safety achievement.

Jim discusses Bill 60 in Ontario, a proposed law that would close loopholes allowing student visa holders to obtain commercial driving licenses. He also covers efforts to introduce formal credentialing for truck driving instructors. Currently, most provinces have no requirements for instructor experience or teaching certification, though BC and other provinces are beginning to implement standards. Programs like PTTAC and Bluedrop are rolling out truck trainer accreditation initiatives, while Atlantic Canada trucking schools emphasize instructor standards and internship opportunities.

Learn more about OBAC at http://www.obac.ca/Web/

Articles referenced:

National Tank Services Safety Milestone: https://www.trucknews.com/health-safe...

Ontario Bill 60: https://www.trucknews.com/regulations...

Truck Trainer Accreditation: https://www.trucknews.com/human-resou...

Instructor Standards in Atlantic Canada: https://www.trucknews.com/human-resou...

Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows and segments anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen live on YouTube, Facebook, iHeart, and RadioNemo.com!

On this edition of Canada Calling on Road Gang Radio, Jimmy Mac is joined by Jim Park and Joanne Ritchie to cover the latest Canadian trucking news. Joanne kicks things off with a shout-out to the Erb Group employees who raised over $20,000 at their annual charity golf tournament, contributing to more than $600,000 for local charities over 32 years.

Jim Park highlights Quebec’s intensified truck safety enforcement following a public inquiry. In October alone, over 1,600 trucks were stopped or detained, with more than 2,000 tickets issued for offenses like tailgating, distracted driving, speeding, and failure to wear seat belts.

Joanne shares a heartwarming story, “Love in the Time of Tariffs,” about an Alabama resident who mistakenly ordered from a Nova Scotia burger joint and sent cash with an apology by mail.

Finally, Jim provides an update on Ontario’s Bill 60, aimed at closing loopholes that allowed student visa holders to obtain commercial driving licenses, including new residency and work eligibility requirements.

Read more:

Erb Group charity: https://www.trucknews.com/transportat...

Quebec enforcement: https://www.trucknews.com/health-safe...

Alabama burger story: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/...

Ontario Bill 60: https://www.trucknews.com/regulations...

Connect with RadioNemo: https://www.radionemo.com/ | / radionemoonline

Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows and segments anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen live on YouTube, Facebook, iHeart, and RadioNemo.com!