Boots on the Ground: PMTC’s Presence and Impact Throughout Western Canada

Insights from Marcel E. Pouliot, PMTC Western Canada Business Manager

It’s amazing what can happen in a year—let alone two.

When I joined the PMTC as Western Canada Business Manager, President Mike Millian and I discussed how to better support and empower members across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and beyond.

Being based in Alberta allows me to see firsthand how jurisdictional differences affect members. I welcome every opportunity to connect in person, listen, and learn about their experiences. One striking example: in Alberta, an ungated parking lot is considered a public highway. This means a commercial licence is required to shunt a truck and trailer—even on private property. A PMTC member with storage facilities across Canada was surprised by this rule. After learning of their challenge, we investigated, clarified the regulations, and provided the guidance they needed to remain compliant.

Advocating for drivers is another cornerstone of our work. The PMTC is the dedicated voice of private fleets, and we continue to push for professional drivers to have proper amenities—especially rest stops and washrooms. For example, as Parks Canada rehabilitates the Rogers Pass Centre in Glacier National Park along the Trans-Canada Highway in British Columbia, we’ve been advocating for driver access to parking and washrooms. This site is the only dedicated rest stop within 150 km, making it essential for safety and well-being.

Our “on-the-ground presence” in the West also creates valuable opportunities. This spring, I represented PMTC at the Alberta Municipal Supervisors Association Convention, speaking about the benefits of PMTC membership and how collaboration with municipalities strengthens private fleets. I also participated in key events, including the Clean Fuels Canada Summit, the Global Energy Show Canada, and the Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors (TEC) Stampede event at the 2025 Calgary Stampede, where premiers from Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan joined industry leaders to showcase Western Canada’s unique ability to blend policy, innovation, and celebration.

The PMTC has also joined the Western Canada Hydrogen Corridors Initiative’s Project Advisory Committee, an effort to establish critical fuelling infrastructure. Our role ensures members’ perspectives are heard as they explore alternative fuels and low-carbon technologies.

Whether through advocacy, education, or strategic partnerships, these efforts build strong connections. Between my presence in the West and Mike’s in the East, we cover the entire country and south of the border.
 
PMTC maintains strong ties with government, industry associations— including BCTA, AMTA, STA, MTA, OTA, APTA, Trucking HR Canada, PTTAC, THRSC Atlantic, Women Building Futures, NPTC and the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada (just to name a few) and, most importantly, our members, the backbone of both PMTC and the industry.

One of the best ways to experience this network is at the upcoming PMTC Western Canada Conference on October 8, 2025, in Calgary, AB. Guided by four pillars—Regulation, Education, Innovation, and Safety—this full-day event combines learning and networking for members and allies alike.

Keynote Speaker Dr. Farrukh Suvankulov, Regional Director, Canadian Economic Analysis Department, Bank of Canada, will open with insights on tariffs and their impact on transportation. The agenda also features panels on safety programs, regulatory updates, driver training, and much more.

Reflecting on the past two years, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as your boots on the ground in Western Canada. It has been an honour to represent PMTC, support our members, and strengthen our industry. I look forward to what’s ahead and encourage you to reach out with questions on regulations or industry issues.

You can connect with me directly at marcel@pmtc.ca.
To learn more and register for our upcoming Western Canada Conference, please visit www.pmtc.ca.

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