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PUBLISHER
Robert Alfers rob@autoatlantic.com
EDITOR
Carter Hammett carter@autoatlantic.com
IT MANAGER
Tyler Graves tyler@autoatlantic.com
ART DIRECTOR
Nicole Shadbolt
ADVERTISING SALES REP.
Marina Higgins
ADVERTISING RESEARCHER
Cantrell Clyke cantrell@autoatlantic.com
ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE
Jay Bhagat
CONTRIBUTORS
Carter Hammett
Kirk Mathieson
Sana Fatemi
Rohit Narayan Sholingur
Ajit Bansod
Zachary Perlmutter
Kristen Lipscombe Philippe-Andre Bisson
atlantic.com auto & trucking
Volume Two • Issue 4 • Autumn • 2025
Page 4 Editor’s letter
Carter Hammett introduces a cast of thousands! Okay, three or four but lots of change happening around these here parts.
Page 18 The green mile
The intersection between cars and the environment can’t be denied. Introducing a new column that aims to provide insight into how the automotive industry impacts the our fragile green spaces and vice-versa. By Carter Hammett
Page 21 Women and wheels
Time to eavesdrop on a simply “roadrageous” conversation.
Page 26 Electric avenue
Wouldja believe Tim Hortons–yes, that Tim Hortons– gets into the charging infrastructure game? Neither could we. Kirk Mathieson reveals all.
Page 29 News of the weird
And what do you think is the most commonly-stolen vehicle in Canada?
Page 34 Motor Matters
Our round up of automotive news and views collected from around Canada.
Page 38 The Atlantic road report
The Atlantic region’s ministers of transportation to call for funding to bolster local economies.
Features
Page 6 Electric , autonomous , intelligent : How AI is shaping Canada’s automotive industry
Like it or hate it, there’s no stopping the AI invasion that is currently pervading literally every corner of the auto industry. Rohit Narayan Sholingur gives us a helicopter view.
Page 10 Generative AI in automotive: driving the future of smart mobility
The current Generative AI automotive market is on a rapid growth trajectory, expected to reach USD 33.84 billion by 2034. Writer Ajit Bansod looks into his crystal ball and tells us what and where to expect future growth.
Page 14 From snowstorms to smart tech Why winter tires still matter in Canada
AI is even infesting the the future of tire design Sana Fatemi learns, but that doesn’t mean keeping them on all year ‘round.
Page 16 Technology and trucking
In a world overwhelmed by information, Jeremy Woolward asks: what do we truly need, and are the resources we rely on really up to the task?
Page 24 A meeting in Moncton
Philippe-Andre Bisson offers a recap of Fix Network’s first regional franchise partners meeting where members gathered to network, collaborate and gain insights.
Page 32 Team goals: Lower Sackville NAPA Auto Parts locations aims to “meet and exceed” customer expectations
Kristen Lipscombe profiles Roddy Wishart, a former chef turned NAPA manager, who leads his Sackville team with a strong customer-first approach and deep community ties.
A change of season
By Carter Hammett
As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, the automotive world is facing a season of transformation of its own. This fall issue is dedicated to a subject that’s shaping the future of mobility more than any other: artificial intelligence. From driver-assist features that learn our habits to production lines that predict maintenance needs before they arise, AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a driving force in how vehicles are designed, built, and experienced. Our pages this season explore how the industry is adapting, innovating, and redefining itself around this powerful technology.
While the impact AI may be having on the motive sector is undeniable,
so too is the impact our industry has on the environment. In our last issue, we explored the emerging problem of microplastics, and from that conversation came the long-overdue idea for a column devoted to our fragile environment and how it intersects with an industry worth billions of dollars. We are pleased to launch that column in this issue, and it will be a regular reminder that innovation and responsibility must go hand- in- hand.
At the same time that we focus on the changing landscape of automotive, our magazine team is evolving as well. We’re thrilled to introduce Nicole Shadbolt, who takes on the role of overseeing layout and production. Nicole
brings 15 years of expertise as a senior designer, and her eye for detail and creativity will no doubt shape the look and feel of every issue moving forward. We are excited to see how her vision elevates our stories.
We also warmly welcome Cantrell Clyke to the fold. Cantrell joins us with several years of sales experience and will be heavily involved in our advertising sales and outreach. Her background in sales and customer service makes her an invaluable addition as we continue to grow our connections and partnerships within the automotive community.
In addition, I’m also pleased to intro -
duce a few new additions to our editorial stable. Writer Rohit Narayan Sholingur, who brings with him a substantial media background, takes a big-picture view of the state of AI hovering over the Canadian—and international— landscape. His feature surveys emerging trends, key innovations, and what the future holds for the automotive and trucking industries. This timely and insightful story leads off our AI-themed issue.
Another new member of our writing team is Sana Fatemi, who delivers this year’s annual winter tire reminder. She explores the latest in tire technology and examines how AI is directly impacting tire design and safety features. It’s a practical but forward-looking piece for drivers preparing for the months ahead.
And finally, no stranger to outspoken opinion, columnist Zachary Perlmutter returns with a provocative essay that asks a simple but vital question: is all AI good? Some of his answers—and the challenges he raises—may surprise you and will no doubt spark discussion.
Together, these new voices bring fresh perspectives that sharpen our focus on the rapidly shifting automotive world. Just as AI transforms the industry, and environmental awareness reshapes our thinking, their contributions drive our own evolution and keep the conversation vibrant, relevant, and inspiring.
Here’s to an exciting fall, full of innovation, insight, responsibility, and forward momentum.
Electric , Autonomous , Intelligent : How AI is Shaping Canada’s Automotive Industry
By Rohit Narayan Sholingur
Whether it’s entertainment or logistics or accident prevention, there isn’t a corner of our lives that AI hasn’t touched, and that includes the automotive sector. Our writer takes a helicopter view of how AI is changing things up across multiple platforms.
Canada’s automotive industry, which has relied on traditional supply chains and manufacturing methods, is undergoing a substantial and groundbreaking transformation. Artificial intelligence (AI) is now a key factor in this shift. From real-time design modeling to predictive maintenance and autonomous driving cars, AI is changing how vehicles are designed, built, and used. This transformation is happening amid changes in global politics and new trade barriers. Recent data from the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association (CVMA) shows that the automotive sector adds over $19 billion to the national gross domestic product (GDP) each year, making this technological shift important both economically and strategically.
AI’s integration into manufacturing is already significant. Public data from Canadian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Magna International and Linamar shows that companies are using AI simulations in their design processes. These allow engineers to test new vehicle designs in virtual settings. The simulations use telemetry and crash data to evaluate safety, weight distribution, and energy efficiency well before creating a physical prototype. This is particularly crucial for optimizing electric vehicle (EV) platforms, where AI balances battery placement, structural integrity, and aerodynamics to comply with regulations and performance requirements.
In Canada’s manufacturing facilities, AI is changing quality control and operations. For example, news releases from Stellantis and Ford Canada note that machine vision systems now check components on the assembly line, detecting flaws more precisely than human inspectors. These systems work alongside predictive maintenance al-
gorithms that assess sensor data from machines to predict breakdowns before they happen. This reduces expensive downtime and boosts productivity. These AI applications are becoming essential components of plant operations throughout Ontario and Quebec.
AI’s impact extends beyond manufacturing. In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, startups such as Waabi and SkyDrive AI are developing Level 4 autonomous technology for crowded urban areas. Their systems interpret traffic patterns and connect with smart infrastructure to tackle issues like congestion and reducing emissions. In a country where over 80% of the population lives in cities, this goes beyond innovation; it is becoming critical for public policy.
Here’s where the real-world perspective adds more depth:
In a dealership environment, AI applications are more complex. Niki Figliano, vice- president of Westowne Mazda, says that although there is efficiency to be achieved with AI, customer acceptance is inconsistent. He explains how the dealership previously contracted with a company that provided AI scheduling for its service department. The system took more calls than staff could answer, but customers didn’t care for the lack of human interaction.
“Quite often, people would ask for a human adviser. Otherwise, they’d hang up, ring back, or send an e-mail, since they weren’t satisfied with the AI response,” he said.
As such, Westowne Mazda reverted to an on-live call-center to better align with customer expectations.
Figliano also noted that AI still plays a
part in customer contact: the company uses it to answer questions and pursue inactive leads.
“Sometimes they come in asking for that person, the AI, by name, her name is Amy. So, they’ll come in and say that they’d like to see Amy. So anyway, we know that it’s working more on the sales side than on the service side.”
But he reiterated that automated, yet human contact remains essential to generating customer trust and satisfaction.
Looking farther ahead, Figliano wondered how autonomous vehicles could change the whole motive industry. He speculated that the field would consolidate to the extent that brand distinctions wouldn’t matter as much, and automobiles would simply be a form of shared transportation.
“At that point, it really doesn’t matter, there’s no status symbol… In my opinion, what will happen with automotives is that it’s just transportation.
But he wondered if today’s infrastructure is capable of that kind of change, arguing that Canada’s roads remain too crowded for complete autonomous use.
When asked about features in modern day Mazda vehicles that might be stepping-stones to full autonomy, he emphasized the importance of existing features such as front obstruction warning sensors, lane departure systems, blind spot monitoring, and radar cruise controls. To him, these features put the industry on the threshold of autonomy yet tell us how incremental progress is bridging the gap.
“This is already the basis for that. So
maybe it will happen sooner than we think that the cars will be driving themselves because they already have all this technology available.”
Figliano predicts dealerships themselves might radically alter in a standalone future: fewer cars will be purchased outright, but servicing will still be done, but the traditional concept of a dealership may be altered or cease to exist.
From the perspective of the Electric Vehicle Association of Atlantic Canada (EVAAC), AI is already making a clear mark on the Canadian electric vehicle (EV) market. Kurt Sampson, executive director of EVAAC, explained how, while it can be difficult to isolate AI from base computing in practical applications, EVs are at the forefront of integrating AI onto the platforms. He
cited Tesla as an example, noting how the firm has been investing in AI across its entire platform for years now.
“Tesla has been embedding AI across their system for decades, and it’s certainly helped them maintain a position at the exponentially growing forefront in areas such as range estimation, onboard navigation, battery charging, charging infrastructure, battery lifespan, and of course active vehicle safety systems.” Sampson explained.
Sampson points out that AI has a greater effect beyond efficiency. Although it can enhance battery performance, optimize charging, and make things better, he anticipates the most revolutionary change to come from autonomous driving. He noted that AI plays a role at every point in the EV chain, spanning R&D, production, daily use, and endof-life recycling.
costs while minimising emissions.
“AI definitely will be utilized to optimize the way EVs and EV chargers interact with the grid to help to smooth the demand off the grid and pull the maximum potential for clean generation sources like solar and wind. Ultimately, this puts downward pressure on electricity prices and helps reduce emissions and electricity costs.”
Sampson referred to the necessity of cooperation between AI developers and local Canadian EV companies. He stressed that the potential of AI is still nascent and that Canadian innovation should not be dominated by foreign platforms.
“But where I believe we are going to be witnessing most of the shakeup and impactful change driven by AI is in the form of autonomous driving. We stand on the cusp of a revolution that will transform the motor industry forever.”
In terms of consumer concerns, including charging availability and grid reliability, Sampson said AI would prove to be a powerful tool in achieving EV adoption balancing with infrastructure readiness. AI can maximise charging station deployment, coordinate EV-grid synchronization, and tap renewable energy sources to both reduce electricity
“Effective integration of AI will definitely be the deciding factor in making or breaking numerous companies in the future, and we shall see this happening a lot in the transport industry as we move towards a connected, autonomous, shared, and electric—CASE future,” he added.
In the long term, Sampson admits that AI is at the heart of electric autonomous fleets, though social acceptance, regulation, and infrastructure pose major challenges. He further notes that while autonomous vehicle technology is growing exponentially, regulatory and society maturity will always be behind.
“AI will definitely aid in the implementation of supporting infrastructure, but past experience tells us that social acceptance and regulation always come along well after new technology.”
In the end, Sampson concludes that AI is already a differentiating factor in the EV industry, guiding the way to a future transportation system that is connected, autonomous, shared, and electric.
“AI is already a significant part of the EV ecosystem for many of us,” he says. “Successful AI development and deployment will continue to be a key differentiator as we transition to this new paradigm of transportation options.”
These observations from both Wes-
towne Mazda and EVAAC paint a vibrant picture of how AI is remodeling and revolutionising the Canadian auto industry simultaneously. To legacy dealerships, the message is clear: while AI can bring efficiency with scheduling, lead management, and customer interaction, human touch cannot be substituted. Shoppers and buyers alike continue to prefer dealing with individuals in person, and dealerships must be able to put AI into their process without losing trust or the human aspect that is at the core of customer satisfaction.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the EV sector illustrates how AI is transforming vehicles today as much as it is working to ready tomorrow’s mobility infrastructure. From optimising battery life and charging facilities to synchronisation with green power grids, AI is making electric transport intelligent and sustainable. Its most revolutionary effect, however, is on autonomous driving—where the technology is already changing at a runaway pace even as regulation, infrastructure, and acceptance are trailing behind.
Bringing these threads together, the AI story in Canadian automotives is one of balance: technology with confidence, automation with human oversight, and cutting-edge technology aligned to social and regulatory needs. AI is not just a productivity tool; it is a change driver. Wherever - in the showroom or on the road - the destiny of transportation will depend on the extent to which the industry can reconcile technology with human needs as drivers, passengers, and community members
In June 2025, the federal government’s Strategic Innovation Fund announced new funding rounds to speed up AI development, especially in the automotive sector. As noted in a Government of Canada news release, officials highlighted Toronto’s growing AI and tech communities and reaffirmed investment in projects that connect research and commercialization. These efforts strengthen Southern Ontario’s reputation as a key center for smart transportation systems and next-generation vehicle testing.
As the industry modernizes, it must also address the need for a fair transition. CVMA reports stress that while AI boosts efficiency, it also alters workforce dynamics, requiring upskill programs and inclusive labour policies. By linking public funding with workforce development, Canada aims to ensure that automation enhances rather than replaces jobs, particularly in vital areas like Windsor, Oshawa, and London.
Higher education institutions are essential in this environment. Universities like Toronto, McGill, and Waterloo have nurtured top-notch AI research talent, much of which flows directly into industrial use. The Vector Institute has collaborated with automakers to turn academic discoveries into practical AI applications. These institutions not only provide a talent pipeline but also help Canada stay competitive globally, especially as other countries invest heavily in similar fields.
Importantly, Canada is pairing technological progress with careful planning. Research efforts at the Vector Institute and other think tanks are working to lessen algorithmic bias in autonomous decisions, improve the transparency of AI models, and incorporate privacy into connected vehicle systems. This commitment to responsible AI positions Canada as a leader in innovation and a model for governance in the era of machine intelligence.
AI adoption is not exclusive to large manufacturers. Through the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association
(APMA), small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are also using AI in their operations. Project Arrow, APMA’s zero-emissions concept vehicle, highlights how AI can optimize supply chains, enhance virtual prototyping, and personalize user interfaces. Project Arrow is Canada’s very first zero-emission concept vehicle to be designed and built from end- to- end within Canada, and it is serving as a testbed for next-generation automotive technologies, including AI-based systems. Based on publicly released reports, the project has attracted participation from various Canadian automakers, research institutes, and technology partners to go after innovations in virtual prototyping, supply chain optimization, and user interface design. With the use of AI in the design and testing phase, Project Arrow allows engineers to simulate real-world environments, forecast component behavior, and optimize vehicle systems before actual production. Significantly, it also demonstrates how small- and- medium enterprises (SMEs) can employ AI tools to optimize production, individualize features, and respond more rapidly to market demands. With Project Arrow, Canada is not just showing technological leadership but is setting an actual world model for the adoption of AI within the broader automotive sector.
Canada’s AI-driven automobile sector is now facing new challenges, particularly from shifting trade dynamics. According to the Government of Canada (April 8, 2025), the U.S. imposed a
25% tariff on Canadian automobiles effective April 3, 2025, followed in May by an equivalent tariff on motor vehicle parts unless they qualified as compliant under the Canada–UnitedStates–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). In response, Canada introduced countermeasures from April 9, charging 25% on U.S.-built non-CUSMA vehicles and on the non-Mexican or non-Canadian component of CUSMA vehicles. While not aimed at EV parts or AI systems, they have disrupted decades-old supply chains and added complexity for Canadian Tier-1 suppliers.
Given Canada’s heavy reliance on U.S. exports, this trade tension carries significant risks. According to Reuters (April 15, 2025), while such deals as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the European Union (EU) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) present alternative market access for Canada, none provide the magnitude or integrated scale of Canada-U.S. car trade. As a result, various manufacturers are revisiting compliance tactics to weather the new tariff environment, balancing CUSMA requirements with higher global market expectations. This added complexity highlights the changing geopolitical reality propelling the use of AI and next-generation technologies in Canada’s auto sector.
Although challenges persist, long-term growth opportunities are strong. This strength is underpinned mainly by deepseated structural trends such as technological progress, demographic transition, and changing consumer values. In the meantime, expanding market opportunities in both established and newer industries continue to provide impetus. Together, these factors suggest that the outlook for growth is not only stable but also on track for sustained improvement over the next few years.
In a 2024a report titled “Real Talk: How Generative AI Could Close Canada’s Productivity Gap and Reshape the Workplace—Lessons from the Innovation Economy”, published by The Conference Board of Canada,, generative AI
can potentially drive the national economy by as much as close to two percent of GDP. Headquartered in Ottawa, O.N.,, The Conference Board’s report identifies that technology hubs such as Toronto, Waterloo, and Vancouver will be the largest beneficiaries. Although the study is not particularly focused on the automobile industry, it indicates how sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, and mobility can also be prime gainers of AI-driven productivity gains. This underlines the reality that AI adoption within Canada’s automotive sector could progress at a very rapid pace, driven both by consumer demand and local economic objectives.
AI will also be crucial in helping Canada reach its environmental targets. With a national goal to end sales of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035, managing EV charging infrastructure, energy storage, and vehicle-grid integration will rely heavily on intelligent systems. AI tools that can forecast charging patterns and optimize interactions with renewable energy sources will be vital for ensuring Canada’s clean energy transition is reliable and affordable.
Lastly, as automotive systems become more interconnected, the need for cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important. Canadian cybersecurity startups and university labs are developing AI-based systems to detect and prevent cyber threats to vehicle networks. This includes intrusion detection systems, behavior monitoring tools, and real-time response strategies. As AI improves convenience and performance, it must also provide security—and Canada’s strong cybersecurity research community is ready to ensure that promise is fulfilled.
Canada’s automotive industry stands at a precipice, and artificial intelligence is not only a tool for efficiency but the linchpin to future competitiveness and relevance. From advanced manufacturing and predictive maintenance and autonomous mobility to dealership operations and customer experience, AI is transforming every stage in the value chain, reframing the way vehicles are conceived, produced, and enjoyed.
At the retail level, dealerships such as Westowne Mazda show how AI is not so much a theoretical concept but a practical force shaping inventory management, customer interaction, and service work, illustrating how technology and human touch must work in concert. Yet the future of the business will be shaped as much by consumer confidence, infrastructure readiness, and trade policies as by technological innovation. Today’s pressures under CUSMA have underscored Canada’s deep reliance on cross-border integration, pushing firms to pursue diversification through deals such as CETA and the CPTPP, while managing new compliance complexities. All the while, the balance between automation and human touch remains essential; even as AI powers innovate,, Canadians continue to demand empathy, transparency, and human engagement in purchasing and servicing vehicles. Canada’s response to these opportunities has been threefold: public investment through programs like the Strategic Innovation Fund, world-class academic research, the establishment of responsible AI governance frameworks, and the launching of startups and projects like APMA’s Project Arrow. These efforts not only build technological momentum but also ensure that adoption aligns with national values of safety, accessibility, and sustainability. While global competitors rush toward autonomous driving and AI-powered energy systems, Canada’s distinctive combination of engineering expertise, flexible manufacturing, and ethical direction is poised to shape—not simply respond to—the terms of intelligent mobility. Tomorrow belongs to those who will be capable of pairing innovation with public trust, and Canada is strongly positioned to take the world in mapping a secure, sustainable, and human-centered path for automotive transformation.
Rohit Narayan Sholingur is an emerging writer with a focus on storytelling that connects culture, society, film, media and technology. He brings a fresh perspective shaped by curiosity and a keen eye for detail.
Generative AI in automotive: driving the future of smart mobility
By Ajit Bansod
Our pundit looks into his crystal ball and offers a big picture view of the current developments and future expectations of Generative AI.
The Generative AI (GenAI) in automotive market is on a rapid growth trajectory. Valued at USD 5.06 billion in 2025, it is projected to reach USD 33.84 billion by 2034, expanding at an impressive compound annual growth rate ( CAGR) of 23.50%. Automotive manufacturers are increasingly adopting GenAI to design, build, and market vehicles more efficiently. From reducing design cycles to enhancing safety systems and supporting autonomous driving, GenAI is becoming a cornerstone of innovation in the automotive sector.
The growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) further fuels this trend, as companies leverage AI for data projections on battery performance, energy management, and predictive maintenance. Ultimately, the drive for cost efficiency, faster time to market, and superior customer experience is shaping the future of GenAI in automotive.
Key trends in 2025
Product launches are reshaping the industry. Volkswagen integrated GenAI into its myVW mobile app through a collaboration with Google Cloud in late 2024.
Strategic partnerships are driving integration; Stellantis partnered with Mistral AI in 2025 to apply AI across engineering and in-car experiences.
Collaborations are enhancing innovation, such as DXC’s alliance with Acumino, CAMB.AI, and GreenMatterAI in September 2025 to advance AI-powered automotive solutions.
Growth drivers
Faster design and development
Generative AI accelerates car design, producing advanced concepts in days
rather than months. This efficiency shortens time to market, reduces costs, and empowers engineers to focus on creativity while AI manages vast datasets.
Smarter and safer vehicles
AI systems analyze driving data to improve driver-assist technologies, support predictive maintenance, and advance self-driving capabilities. Personalized in-vehicle features like voice assistants and driver profiles further enrich user experience while reducing risks and repair costs.
Application insights
• Design and engineering: Dominated with 35% share in 2025. Automakers use GenAI for aerodynamic modeling, material optimization, and faster prototyping, significantly cutting costs and timelines.
• Autonomous driving and in-vehicle systems: The fastest-growing segment, as AI enhances path planning, scenario simulation, and predictive safety—critical for the future of self-driving vehicles.
Technology insights
• Machine learning and deep learning: Accounted for 40% share in 2025, serving as the foundation for AI applications across supply chain optimization, predictive maintenance, and customer personalization.
• GANs and digital twin platforms: Expected to grow the fastest, offering synthetic driving data generation and virtual testing environments that reduce the need for costly real-world trials.
Deployment insights
• Cloud-based systems: Represented 55% share in 2025, offering
scalability, global collaboration, and cost efficiency for processing vast automotive datasets.
• Hybrid deployments: Expected to grow fastest, combining cloud and edge computing for real-time decision-making in connected and autonomous vehicles, supported by advancements in 5G connectivity.
End-user insights
• Automotive OEMs: Captured 45% share in 2025, leveraging GenAI across design, engineering, and customer engagement. With greater financial resources and control of the entire vehicle lifecycle, OEMs remain dominant adopters.
• Mobility service providers and aftermarket players: Anticipated to grow fastest, applying GenAI to shared mobility, predictive maintenance, ride-hailing optimization, and fleet management—directly targeting customer experience improvements.
Regional insights
North America led the market in 2025 with 35% share, thanks to strong automotive manufacturing, advanced AI ecosystems, and supportive government policies promoting EVs and smart mobility. A mature research environment and access to diverse driving datasets also strengthen its leadership position.
Asia-Pacific is expected to record the fastest growth, driven by the surge in EV adoption, digital transformation initiatives, and the rise of connected vehicle technologies across major economies such as China, Japan, and India.
The Generative AI in automotive market is transforming the industry by combining speed, intelligence,
and personalization. From design studios to assembly lines and from driver assistance to infotainment, GenAI is redefining how vehicles are created, tested, and experienced. With its potential to make cars smarter, safer,
and more connected, GenAI is not just shaping the future of mobility—it is accelerating its arrival.
Source: https://www.towardsautomotive.com/insights/generative-ai-in-automotive-market-sizing
Ajit Bansod is a skilled and research-driven analyst at Towards Automotive, with over 3 years of experience specializing in the intersection of automotive innovation and intelligent communication technologies.
From snowstorms to smart tech: Why winter tires still matter in Canada
By Sana Fatemi
Your annual reminder about why snow tires are so essential during Canadian winters. Our writer also sheds light on new tire tech and how AI is affecting tire design and safety.
Winter isn’t like any other season, especially in Canada, and it comes with its own test of endurance on the road. This is especially true in Atlantic Canada, where ocean-driven storms bring heavy snow, freezing rain, and unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles that can turn highways into ice rinks overnight. During this time, the right set of tires can make all the difference in road safety, steering you away from dangerous situations. Contrary to popular belief that winter tires are only designed for the snow, winter tires are also engineered to stay flexible in freezing temperatures, providing grip and control when all-season tires lose their edge. For drivers, especially those operating heavy trucks, researching tire options months in advance can prevent last-minute oversights and ensure pre -
paredness. Online resources can also make it easier to compare tire options that are suited to the region’s unique climate and streamline the selection process.
Why winter tires matter
A common misconception is that “allseason” tires are good enough for Canadian winters. The reality is that there is no such thing as “all-season” tires. “Three-season” tires are a more accurate description. According to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) and Transport Canada (2023), all-season tires don’t meet the standards of winter tires in snowy and icy conditions. Transport Canada also states that when the temperature drops below 7°C, all-season tires start to stiffen, which makes it harder for them to grip the road. In addition, winter tires are made with softer rubber that stays flexible in the cold, and their deep tread patterns help grip snowy roads and push slush aside for better control.
The benefits of winter tires are measurable. Transport Canada highlights that proper winter tires can reduce stopping distance by up to 25% on snow and ice. That extra space can make all the difference between a safe stop and a rear-end collision. As a matter of fact, winter road conditions contribute to nearly 21% of fatal collisions across the country, according to Transport Canada (2023), underscoring the need for proper preparation.
The Atlantic challenge
Atlantic Canada faces some of the harshest winter road conditions in the country. Data shows that some regions of Newfoundland and Labrador receive an average of up to 400 cm of
snow annually (Environment Canada, 2023). Meanwhile, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick navigate frequent episodes of freezing rain that glaze roadways with ice. CAA Atlantic reports that many areas in the region see 40 or more snow days per winter, with long stretches of reduced visibility and dangerous road traction.
Unlike Quebec, which legally requires winter tires from December- to- March, Atlantic provinces leave the choice up to drivers, although the risk of going without proper tires is arguably just as high. According to Quebec’s Ministère des Transports, mandatory winter tires have improved road safety since 2008. The region’s weather patterns are shaped by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, which brings sudden shifts between snow, rain and ice. That unpredictability makes true winter tires a safer choice.
Learning from other provinces
Looking at the national picture helps put Atlantic road safety into context. In Quebec, where winter tires are mandatory, studies have shown a five percent reduction in winter crashes since the law was introduced in 2008, according to the Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ, 2022). In British Columbia, where winter tires are also required on most mountain highways, data from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC, 2022) suggests that crash rates drop significantly in areas with higher compliance.
In comparison, Atlantic Canada has no tire laws, and adoption rates remain inconsistent. Many drivers switch only when conditions are at their worst, rather than preparing in advance. The numbers suggest that broader use of winter tires across Atlantic Canada
could mirror Quebec’s safety gains, reducing winter collisions and improving outcomes for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Maintenance and care
Owning winter tires is only part of the equation; maintenance matters, too. Proper installation, rotation, and balancing help tires last longer and perform better. Tire pressure should also be checked regularly, as cold Atlantic winds can cause pressure to suddenly drop, reducing traction. For those with limited storage space, services offered by retailers such as Blackcircles.ca can simplify seasonal swaps and storage solutions.
New developments and tire technology
Winter tire design is evolving to meet the specific challenges of regions like Atlantic Canada. Many manufacturers now offer tread patterns optimized for heavy, wet snow and slush, which are more common in coastal provinces than in central Canada’s drier, powdery snow. Eco-friendly rubber compounds are also becoming more popular, reducing environmental impact without compromising safety.
Drivers are also weighing the debate between all-weather and winter tires. While all-weather tires can be a good choice in milder climates, they struggle in Atlantic Canada’s unpredictable mix of snow, ice, and freezing rain. For
most drivers in the region, a dedicated set of winter tires remains the safest investment.
The role of AI in the future of driving
Looking ahead, artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to reshape road safety, including tire technology. Researchers and manufacturers are developing AI systems to predict tire wear based on driving habits and road conditions, sending alerts before safety is compromised. Some automakers are experimenting with AI-driven traction control systems that automatically adjust vehicle settings in response to icy or slushy conditions, an innovation that could be especially valuable on Atlantic roads.
In manufacturing, AI is helping design smarter tire patterns that balance grip, fuel efficiency, and durability. For consumers, predictive tools may soon recommend the ideal tire for a specific region, taking into account snowfall, road type, and even driving style.
Where to find winter tires online
Choosing the right tires is a challenge. Online retailers make the process much simpler. Companies such as Blackcircles.ca, Kal Tire, and Tirecraft, among others, offer convenient online platforms where drivers can compare brands, models, and prices in one place. These companies can help simplify what can otherwise be an overwhelming process. Drivers can explore a wide selection of brands, models, and price points online, eliminating the need to visit multiple retailers.
What these online platforms can offer:
• Expert guidance: The platform provides tire reviews, detailed specifications, and recommendations tailored to Canadian road conditions.
• Convenience: Once you select your tires, you can choose a local installer through the site, schedule an appointment, and have the tires delivered there for installation; no need to haul them yourself.
• Local support: With partnerships across Canada, including Atlantic provinces, drivers can find installers nearby.
• Storage and seasonal services: Many of their affiliated installers also offer storage, solving one of the biggest pain points of owning winter tires. For Atlantic Canadian drivers dealing with unpredictable winter roads, online retailers offer a combination of variety and expert guidance, helping drivers make informed choices for safer, more confident driving.
Winter in Atlantic Canada ranks among the harshest in the nation, marked by heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and abrupt temperature shifts that make driving conditions hazardous. The impact of winter tires is undeniable; they shorten braking distances, enhance vehicle control, and help prevent accidents. Insights from provinces like Quebec and British Columbia reveal that increased usage of winter tires correlates with a noticeable drop in seasonal crash rates.
For drivers in Atlantic Canada, investing in winter tires isn’t just a matter of convenience; it’s a matter of safety. With new technology, eco-friendly options, and smart tire design, preparing for winter has never been easier. And thanks to resources like Blackcircles. ca, finding and installing the right tires is simpler than ever. This winter, the safest decision any Atlantic driver can make is to equip their vehicle properly, because when it comes to Canadian byways, safety starts where the rubber meets the road.
Sana Fatemi a writer and editor with a deep love for storytelling and the literary world. With experience in both writing and editing across various publications, she enjoys shaping narratives, refining language, and bringing ideas to life on the page. Passionate about the craft of writing and the process of publishing, Sana blends precision, creativity, and curiosity in all her work, striving to engage and inspire readers with every piece she touches.
Technology and trucking
By Jeremy Woolward
The world around us is in a continuous process of evolution. Be it socially, economically, politically or elsewhere, as things evolve, people and processes evolve along with it. Society then must determine and re-evaluate how things are to be done and must wrestle with the choice as to whether the existing way to do things is still acceptable, or whether it must adjust itself to align with what is to come. In this, people are forced to look within, and that is not always a pleasant or comfortable experience. As economies have evolved, this very search within oneself has resulted in some drastic, and at times, uncomfortable, policy positions. This reality is just as prevalent in the trucking industry as it pertains to technological advancements and what it means for all industry players, from manufacturers, vendors, and end users. Conversations about ideas such as telematics, autonomous self-driving vehicles, and alternative fuels have dominated many public and private spaces, and it is only the tip of the technological iceberg as it pertains to the trucking industry. However, the influx of information and stimuli that is accessible can leave some who are unprepared for it feeling overwhelmed, put oE, or otherwise closed to new possibilities. The panacea for such uncertainty is a question:
“What are my needs?” That leads to the next question: “What resources are available to fill them?” The completion of a thorough needs analysis by any interested party will go a long way to resolving the myriad questions and uncertainty as one chooses to step into this brave new world.
A needs analysis doesn’t require the detail or length of a Harvard thesis. In many ways, the adage of keeping things simple will go much further than a 50-page dissertation that says a lot but may yield very little in the way of tangible results. Regardless of your role in the trucking industry, everyone can benefit from going through this process as their circumstances dictate. In my capacity as a fleet safety manager, I’m bombarded daily by the advances in technology one can find in the trucking industry. As of late, the big conversation I’ve had has involved the adaptation of a solid and compliant electronic logging device (ELD) solution for my commercial fleets. In Canada, despite the ELD mandate being a few years old, it’s still relatively new when compared to our counterparts in the United States, who have been utilizing this technology now for close to a decade. The additional layer of complexity that we have in Canada
is that unlike the United States, our ELDs are not permitted to be selfcertified by the manufacturer. Each device must be analyzed and evaluated based on the standards established by Transport Canada. And then, once the device meets the rigorous testing and all questions are reasonably satisfied by the certifying bodies, only then can it hit the market as a compliant ELD. That, however, is just the beginning. Just because a device is certified to meet the minimum benchmark doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good product. I recently made the switch from one provider to another because my needs were not being met. Because my vehicles operate in both Canada and the United States, I needed to ensure that my requirements to audit drivers for Hours-of-Service Compliance met both country’s requirements. It met the American standard but failed to meet the Canadian standard to my satisfaction. Sure, it allowed my drivers to know what their limits were, but the back-end support was atrocious. As such, it did not meet my needs. In a safety department of just me, I’ve been reluctant in automating a lot of my processes. I feel that the human touch is necessary when meeting the rigour of the law. However, I cannot do it all and now must trust that when I set something up, it will work for me the way I want it to. When I couldn’t get my ELD to even generate Canadian driver logs in a suitable manner for me, I knew it needed to go. My needs weren’t met, and as a result, I went out and found a technological resource that would but also informed my research by looking at an approved list of devices and then choosing from there. This example is one of many that can be cited when beginning to navigate the world of technology and trucking. Learn what’s on the market before just allowing people to bombard you with excessive marketing and stimuli. Ask yourself what your needs are before going to shop. Once you know what you need, you can then start searching what’s available that will best suit it.
Another example that I’ve recently come across in my own career is another pitfall to avoid when navigating technology in trucking: just because something is flashy doesn’t mean it’s something that will help you. Lately, the province of Alberta has become a flashpoint where the old world intersects in dramatic form with the new. For better or for worse, Alberta’s oil industry has been an economic driver for Canada. The revenues generated from these resources have, without question, benefitted many. While politics and social progress have become intermingled with the growth and evolution of the oil industry, it remains irrefutable that without it, Canada would not be where it is today. However, where we are now is in many ways where Canada was prior to the major hit of Leduc #1 back in 1949. There had been a few oil strikes prior to the big hit, but it was still in its infancy. Older technologies still dominated the day. Today, the older technology are the internal combustion engines, but there has been the swerve towards clean fuels, hydrogen, and electric. The reality is that with a changing world, these newer technologies will become a lot more prevalent in the years to come. However, while some would have you believe that all the new tech is a must have, the reality is that not every new piece of tech is right for the end user. I used to work for another motor carrier earlier for the past eight years, and in that time, while people would be hyping the new tech around me, the reality was that the new technology did not fit my immediate needs. Cashflow was a real deterrent; these new technologies admittedly cost a lot of money. It’s not money that just everybody has at their disposal, and it’s also prudent to mention that not every successful piece of new technology is a hit. Some revolutionary tech will just take oE, and some will go bust. Even in trucking, while early conversations about alternative fuels began with electric vehicles, the tone has changed, and now a shift towards hydrogen and other clean fuels has become more prevalent. Aside from cashflow, other concerns that impacted me included practicality and
ultimately, reliability. I had a fleet of picker trucks, none of which could be reasonably sustained by switching to electric fuels, and none that would be aEordable or reliable. The reality is that as it comes to picker trucks, older technology will still be the go-to solution for some time to come, and that it is not necessarily a bad thing. Just because new tech becomes available, sometimes it is more prudent to wait and see what becomes of it before going all in. Do your research, consider your needs, and remember that for every Windows XP that ever existed, there was a Windows ME and a Windows Vista that came both before and after it. Only one of those three operating systems was a hit. One was overhyped and the other was a complete bust. Investigate trends before taking the plunge.
Finally, consider the importance of what the potential impacts might be in sharing one’s information with one’s technology provider. Whether in a commercial vehicle or whether in a personal four door sedan, one adopted piece of technology has become that of hands-free integration. First it was Bluetooth, but then with the advent of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, your vehicles have become extensions of your mobile devices. You can host a conference, navigate to a destination, send messages, and more, all from the comfort of your driver seat. However, where does that data go? How is it used? Thankfully, while social media and driving really haven’t become all that integrated, the day will come where it will be more than it is now, and one will have to consider the degree they want their private lives impeded by the advances of technology. Even now, it’s a debate I have with my drivers as it pertains to internal facing cameras. It’s imperative that when evaluating technology, that one understands what the technology is meant for, and what its inherent risks might be. While internal facing cameras are configured to record only in the case of driver triggered events or a pre-determined driver event algorithm, the big fear of many is that someone is sitting behind a computer monitor watching
endless footage without end. While unfeasible, it’s a prevalent fear. It’s a fear that must be managed and corrected by facts. Education in this area is key. However, like anything that can be used for good, it can also be used for ill. Cybersecurity is a very real threat and must be treated as such. In one’s vehicle, GPS data, mapping data, and even one’s phone data is subject to attack and infiltration. While this topic may seem a bit controversial, arguing for both the pro’s and con’s of in-cab technology, the reality is that you cannot have the good without the bad, but knowing what you have and how best to use it is your best weapon in the fight against cybercrime and privacy violations.
Technology and the trucking industry are hand in hand as both evolve into the mid 21st Century. Modern day trucking owes its life to technology, both past and present, going back all the way to Henry Ford and the Model T. And as much as the Model T revolutionized the 20th Century, new technologies and advances are set to define the 21st. How we best use it is up to us, but to best use it, you need to know what you need, what resources you have, and what risks come along with it. As you identify each and move forward, you can be assured that you move forward with confidence and not be dissuaded by the myriad data points out there.
Jeremy Woolward (he/him) is employed as a fleet safety & human resource manager for a commercial motor carrier in Calgary, Alberta. Jeremy holds a National Health & Safety Administrator (NHSA) certification through the Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA) and a Certified Transportation Safety Professional (CTSP) designation through the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA).
THE GREEN MILE
Introducing our newest column: a rant on how the motive industry impacts the environment. But with new and promising innovations, the future is looking just a little bit greener and cleaner.
By Carter Hammett
The interaction between vehicles and the environment remains a rude reality throughout the Atlantic region and the rest of Canada. This is an area with ongoing and rapid changing challenges balanced with some innovative solutions shaping our automotive future. The ongoing demand for progressive mobility must be balanced against issues like emissions, health impacts, and sustainability, making this a critical time for industry and communities alike.
Concerns in Atlantic Canada
One of the key issues gobbling media real estate in Atlantic Canada is air pollution generated by combustionpowered vehicles. According to driveelectricatlantic.ca, the region’s 3,900 school buses, mostly diesel-powered, serve 225,000 children daily, exposing them to levels of CO2 and particulate matter that surpass Health Canada recommendations and impacts physical and mental health concerns for both children and bus drivers. Health Canada estimates that air pollution causes an estimated $120 billion in health expenditures with traffic-related air pollution contributing to hundreds of premature deaths and millions of sick days each year.
Additionally, city environments experience a phenomenon called traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) which is a volatile cocktail composed of road dust, tire wear, engine emissions and other variables that can trigger respiratory issues in the general population.
Another undeniable hot topic of conversation these days is of course, climate change. The federal government estimates that the transportation industry
is responsible for 24% of Canada’s Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, making it the second largest polluter across the country.
While Canada moves at a glacial pace to warm up to electric vehicle adoption, Atlantic Canada not only remains a small market but has collectively demonstrated a reluctance to commit to transitioning drivers to EVs. Part of this hesitancy no doubt can be attributed to concerns about driving distances, a low charging infrastructure and the huge upfront costs for zero-emission vehicles. In September, Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that the feds won’t be implementing a mandate requiring that 20 per cent of all new Canadian vehicles by next year be electric. He announced a two-month review of the country’s EV program.
Finally, last issue we turned a sharp eye to the havoc wreaked by microplastics from tire particulates that end up in waterways, poisoning fish and winding up in human systems as well. Trust us when we say we’ll be returning to this topic.
Solutions
But it’s not all doom and gloom folks. Some promising solutions reside in Atlantic Canada and throughout the country. Provinces like New Brunswick and P.E.I. have jumped aboard the EV movement and school bus fleets–fires aside–promise to virtually banish harmful particles being exposed to kids.
And while the shift to EVs is slower than hoped, there are booming developments in other parts of the country as regions jump aboard the ZEV bandwagon. Complementing this is a call for country-wide standards which guarantee that smaller provinces will gain equitable access to EVs.
Furthermore, the ongoing debates and measures around tariffs and counter tariffs have helped push Canada towards a new vision of supply chain models and this happens to coincide with advances in battery technology. Shifts in the legal landscape have motivated auto manufacturers to introduce higher efficiency engines as well as advanced emission control systems and low-sulpher fuels.
Looking ahead
What does the future hold for Canada’s environmental march forward? It’s fairly clear that we as a nation are standing at the intersection of several trends impacting both facets of the vehicle industry and our precious and fragile environment. Expect greater electrification of fleets and newer policies pushing both charging infrastructure and equitable access to ZEVs forward.
Another highly anticipated trend is a greater awareness driven by microplastics and how this knowledge will impact product development. New tire technologies and greater emphasis on recycling among other facets will have a positive impact on the environment.
Indeed, Canada is poised to drive home policy shifts and promising innovations that imply a cleaner, greener vehicular future. And one thing’s for sure: we’ll be watching.
WOMEN AND WHEELS
A roadrageous discussion
Every September people all over North America pause to honour the folks that form the backbone of the supply chain: truckers. And while trucking has long been a male-dominated profession on this continent, the narrative (and landscape) are changing fast. This issue we listened in on the Roadrageous podcast, which explored the impact that women are having on the trucking industry and the growth of North America’s largest women in trucking association.
Breaking into trucking isn’t just about driving a heavy-duty truck to deliver freight. It’s about dismantling barriers that keep talented women on the sidelines. Jennifer Hedrick, President & CEO of the Women In Trucking Association (WIT), recently joined Liam Hoch and Chad Lindholm of the Roadrageous Podcast to discuss how WIT has grown to 8,000 members by focusing not just on drivers but on all roles in trucking – from technicians to executives in the C-suite. They also explore how WIT is breaking down barriers and building up opportunities.
Chad Lindholm: Well, as we oftentimes start out our podcasts, people tend to have an interesting story of how they got into the industry and no one has that straight line path. So I’m curious, how did you end up in the world of trucking and transportation.
Jennifer Hedrick: Like so many others I know, it’s not a straight line and many people end up here in the trucking industry accidentally. That’s a little bit of my story as well.
I’ve been in the Washington D.C. area for the bulk of my career working for associations and so managed a number of different associations, primarily trade associations, including the National Industrial Transportation League (NITL). I was their executive director for six and a half years. And we focused on trucking, ocean and rail issues and, and mainly looking at regulatory and legislative activity at the federal level.
And when this opportunity came up for women in trucking several years ago, I had moved on from NIT League and was doing some work with another association and really thought “You know, I love working in the transportation space.” I love the people. I have really enjoyed the issues and the fact that this touches so many industries and so many people both personally and professionally and really wanted an opportunity to get back into it.
And so this opening came up at the announcement of the retirement of Founder Ellen Voie and I threw my hat in the ring and here we are today, two and a half years later.
So it’s been just an absolute joy for me
and I couldn’t have anticipated how much fun I’d have and the impact, impact that we’re having as an organization and, and also the impact that the people in this organization and the broader industry have on me, it’s just been absolutely terrific.
Chad Lindholm: Help us to better understand the Mission of WIT, the organization’s objectives, and what you are looking to accomplish.
Jennifer Hedrick: WIT was founded in 2007 by Ellen Voie. It was founded with the idea that there could be more opportunity for women in trucking through job creation, through celebration, and then eliminating obstacles and barriers as well. Those are really the key points of our mission.
The organization has grown over time from just a few hundred members to 8,000 members today. And our membership is broad. Our tagline is “From the driver’s seat to the C suite.” Alot of folks mistakenly think that we are an organization that’s focused on drivers only, but we aren’t. Certainly professional truck drivers are a key piece of what we focus on as an organization. But we also look at folks in different stages of their careers, entry level to those who have been in the industry and in the profession for a long time, those who are in entry level management, those who are learning to drive
a truck, those who are technicians and performing other types of services to the industry.
Our membership consists of a vast range of company types, including for-hire motor carriers, private fleets, third-party logistics companies, original equipment manufacturers, warehousing and distribution companies, equipment leasing, and service provides such as accountants and tax experts, attorneys, insurance, talent management and staffing, and truck driving schools.
WIT provides education, information, awards, programs to recognize women in different stages of their career, rec -
ognize companies for their success in encouraging women into entering the profession and succeeding in the profession, and then education through our annual Accelerate! Conference & Expo.
Chad Lindholm: What would you say some of the challenges are for women getting into and staying in the industry?
Jennifer Hedrick: The trucking industry obviously has been a male-populated world for a while, but it’s changing. What are some of the things that are still hindering that. Alot of women think that there isn’t a place for them in this industry, but there is – in so many ways.
You can look at any study out there, you can look at the work that we’ve done at WIT, you can look at the vast number of women that we have in our organization and across the industry as a case study. Women certainly do have a place.
And so we try to make sure that women understand that there is no limitation in terms of what they can do within trucking.
Other areas are looking at safety, making sure that women (especially women drivers) are able to drive safely or are able to have a place to stop and to rest and to not be worried about their safety.
WIT has done really fantastic work in ensuring that truck stops have better lighting and facilities that can accommodate women, individual showers, those kinds of things that seem to make a lot of common sense. Truck parking is another area that we certainly focus on. We’ve been advocating with a number of different organizations on the need for truck parking.
Chad Lindholm: What are some things that companies in the trucking industry can do to create an environment in which women want to work?
Jennifer Hedrick: I just mentioned the lack of safe truck parking as a major issue. The U. S. Department of Transportation Secretary Duffy’s recently announced funding for truck parking underscores that he understands that this is at a critical juncture for not only professional truck drivers, but for the supply chain at-large and making sure that freight can keep moving efficiently and as timely as it needs to.
So we’ve been entirely supportive of that and really pleased that he’s come out with those dedicated funds—and companies themselves are working with their drivers, making sure the drivers have the tools that they need so that they’re safe on the road.
I’ve spoken with a number of professional drivers who say drivers get into the industry largely through word of
mouth. So if a driver is working with a carrier who is treating them well and ensuring that not only that they’re safe, but they’re given the resources that they need to do their jobs, they tell others. They tell other women and encourage them to get into truck driving and
to explore it and maybe other careers in trucking as well.
So there’s those kinds of things that carriers can do, not only for drivers, but for others in other jobs to provide education through various resources.
Listen to the entire interview on the Roadrageous Podcast
For a deeper dive into roadrageous check out their website here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/roadrageous/id1797603725
Education is really key in helping not only recruit people from all areas in the trucking industry, but building community and helping the community around a business really understand what’s occurring.
Grateful acknowledgement is given to Women in Trucking which first published this article here: https://www.womenintrucking.org/blog/roadrageous-podcast-interview-with-jennifer-hedrick
A meeting in Moncton
By Philippe-Andre Bisson
Driving collaboration and success: Highlights from the recent Fix Network regional meeting in Moncton
The Fix Network recently hosted its first regional meeting of 2026 in Moncton, bringing together a dynamic group of franchise partners from NOVUS Glass, Speedy Auto Service, ProColor Collision, and Fix Auto, along with a dedicated corporate team. This event served as a vital platform for networking, collaboration, and gaining insights from the organization’s leadership team.
Empowering franchisees for future growth
The meeting’s agenda was packed with essential topics that are key to the success of the franchise network. Attendees engaged in discussions on business development strategies, sales and operations enhancements, data performance metrics, marketing initiatives, and innovative IT approaches.
One of the most striking aspects of the meeting was the sense of collaboration that permeated the room. Franchisees had the unique opportunity to share their experiences and learn from one another, creating a robust dialogue that was both informative and empowering. The leadership team emphasized the importance of equipping franchisees with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in 2026 and beyond, underscoring their commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and shared success.
Acknowledgments
Networking and idea exchange
Beyond the presentations and discussions, the regional meeting facilitated significant networking opportunities. Franchise partners were able to establish connections, build relationships, and explore ways to work together to tackle challenges. This collaborative environment is crucial for driving growth within the network as franchisees shared best practices, innovative marketing strategies, and operational efficiencies that can enhance performance across locations.
The exchange of ideas and experiences not only nurtures a sense of community among the franchisees but also strengthens the overall effectiveness of the Fix Network. As these partners strategize together, they are better positioned to seize new opportunities and address challenges ahead.
Commitment to community impact
A standout moment from the Moncton meeting was the commitment to social responsibility, exemplified through a live auction featuring artwork created by children from Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada. This initiative allowed attendees to support a worthy cause while engaging in a meaningful artistic collaboration.
Thanks to the tremendous generosity of the Fix Network, the auction raised an impressive $5000, all of which will directly benefit families in need. This philanthropic endeavor showcases the network’s dedication to making a positive impact beyond business goals, reaffirming that collective efforts can lead to significant community contributions.
Looking to the future
As the Fix Network wraps up the Moncton meeting, the excitement does not end there. Upcoming regional meetings are scheduled for Calgary and Montreal later this month, promising more opportunities for franchisees to connect, collaborate, and innovate. Each gathering aims to foster discussion and strengthen the partnership across the network.
The commitment of the Fix Network leadership, combined with the active participation of franchise partners, suggests that 2026 will be a year of growth and success. The spirit of collaboration, the focus on community engagement, and the unwavering dedication of the franchisees point to a promising future for the organization.
The success of the Moncton meeting would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors and participants. Their commitment reinforces the strength of the Fix Network and its mission to empower franchise partners and positively impact their communities.
With the momentum from this meeting, the Fix Network is poised for an exciting year ahead, equipped with the insights and connections necessary to thrive in the evolving automotive landscape.
As the network continues to grow and innovate, the dedication to collaboration and community impact remains at the forefront—an inspiring journey for all involved.
ELECTRIC AVENUE
Our round up of national electric vehicle news collected from around the web.
By Kirk Mathieson
iZEV Program paused by the Liberals – again
Last issue I reported on the Incentives for Zero Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program, having previously been halted in January of this year, was being reinstated by Ottawa. Now, however, it seems the Liberals have shifted gears yet again: Prime Minister Mark Carney announced in early September that his government is cancelling a mandate requiring 20 per cent of all vehicles sold in Canada by 2026 to be electric. He also announced a 60- day review of the iZEV program, likely with an eye to adjusting the target dates and numbers to more realistic levels.
This change comes on the heels of the recent federal election in April in which Carney outlined plans for an economic overhaul in response to a raft of US tariffs on Canadian goods. This includes the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, of which 80 million is earmarked for the Atlantic provinces to aid industries hardest hit by the tariffs.
The relief doesn’t come without a price tag, though. Carney indicated that other spending will be reviewed and possibly reduced or eliminated altogether to pay for the new initiatives - including, it seems, the iZEV program.
The program was launched in 2019 to offer rebates on electric vehicle purchases and help meet the government’s Electric Vehicle Availability
Standard, which requires all new vehicles sold by 2035 to be electric or hybrid – a goal that now seems increasingly out of reach, with EV sales targets under review and fewer Canadians saying the are likely to invest in electric transportation in the near future.
Many fear that declining government and financial support for clean transportation could impact more than just vehicle purchases. Fewer EVs on Canada’s roads mean fewer incentives for businesses to install new charging stations or upgrade existing ones – an issue particularly relevant to northern communities and remote areas of the country where charging infrastructure is often sparse and more costly to maintain.
“Canadians need to know that there is charging infrastructure in place in order to choose electric vehicles,” says Travis Allan, President of the Canadian Charging Infrastructure Council. “The Electric Vehicle Availability Standard provides critical information that allows charging companies to invest in new charging infrastructure and create the utilities that need to make the upgrades and investments that are needed to support the massive buildout in charging infrastructure that’s needed across Canada to get Canadians the benefits of electric vehicles.”
He pointed out that at least 130,000 jobs depend on the EV industry in
Canada, with that number expected to increase to 600,000 by 2035.
While the relationship between climate policy and economics is a complex one with many intersecting factors, it is ultimately Canadian consumers who will decide the shape of the electric mobility landscape in the coming decades.
Tim Hortons partners with FLO
to deliver extra jolts
As EV owners and industry leaders navigate changes to the EVAS program and other uncertainties around access and affordability, progress is being made in the form of partnerships between private companies and other stakeholders. In August, Tim Hortons announced a collaboration with FLO to install 100 fast chargers at Tim’s locations across Canada by the end of 2028.
“We’re thrilled to partner with FLO to make life a little easier for guests driving electric vehicles,” said Hope Bagozzi, Chief Marketing Officer for Tim Hortons. “Whether it’s grabbing a coffee and a charge before work, or taking a break on a road trip, we want every Tim’s run to be convenient, welcoming, and a highlight of the journey.”
The charging stations will deliver up to 120km of driving range in as little as ten minutes.
Tim Hortons is the largest coffee chain
in Canada, with more than 3500 locations across the country. When the project is completed, it will make Tim’s the largest restaurant provider of EV fast charging in Canada. Each of the 100 selected stores will have an average of four charging ports.
“This partnership with Tim Hortons marks a pivotal moment in making EV charging a seamless part of everyday life for Canadians,” said Louis Tremblay, President and CEO of FLO. “By investing ourselves in the installation of FLO Ultra chargers at trusted, well-visited locations, we are accelerating our strategic focus as an Own and Operate charging network operator and delivering the reliable infrastructure EV drivers need to confidently embrace their transition to electric mobility.”
Joint efforts like this one have helped to create a framework for solutions that focus on drivers and local economies rather than overarching mandates that don’t always fit with individual needs. With the government’s long-term zero emissions goals now under review and the iZEV initiative in limbo, it looks like
Sources:
a major strategy shift may be on the horizon.
Such a shift could employ a twopronged approach – making the switch to electric both practical and financially feasible for Canadian drivers. In the last issue I wrote about the lower fuel and maintenance costs enjoyed by EV owners over the life of their vehicles. The last hurdle to overcome may be the higher initial price tag compared to gas-powered models. This is again an area where partnerships between public and private entities can play an important role.
As battery technology advances and charging networks continue to expand, we are slowly helping ourselves to a more sustainable future – one charge at a time.
Brampton, O.N.-based writer Kirk Mathieson first started with ATA as an editorial intern and has since become an ongoing contributor.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/many-ev-owners-say-theyre-undeterred-after-the-federal-governments-mandate-pause/ Carney announces $80M tariff relief fund for Atlantic Canada businesses | Watch https://www.cpac.ca/headline-politics/episode/ev-industry-leaders-hold-a-news-conference--september-16-2025?id=a3c6f76c-f9d7-457c-9542-c7f881c82dd4 (Press Conference held on September 16, 2025)
https://www.flo.com/en-ca/press-release/tim-hortons-and-flo-partner-on-a-plan-to-deploy-electric-vehicle-fast-chargers-at-100-tims-restaurants-across-canada-by-end-of2028/#:~:text=Tim%20Hortons%20&%20FLO%20to%20deploy,Press%20release%20%7C%20Aug%2027%2C%202025
https://madeinca.ca/coffee-consumption-statistics-canada/ https://www.facebook.com/604Now/posts/it-looks-like-tim-hortons-wants-be-known-for-more-than-timbits-tim-hortons-annou/1404430098355169/
NEWS OF THE WEIRD
Bits and pieces of the bizarre, strange and just plain odd car and truck items collected from around the web, so you don’t have to! Yer welcome! .
The wackiest cars we saw at the 2025 Woodward Dream Cruise
From a V-8-powered BMW Isetta to a drivable boat and a flock of over 20 Chrysler Crossfires, the Dream Cruise brought out Detroit’s most unusual vehicles.
Source: Caleb Miller|Car and Driver, https://www.caranddriver.com/news/g65820059/wackiest-cars-2025-woodward-dream-cruise
This full-size Western Flyer Rocket wagon brought more smiles to faces than any Lamborghini or Ferrari, with its comically large handle mounted on the front, vibrant red paint, and iconic script along the side. We’re not sure what powertrain is hiding underneath the custom bodywork, but we bet this thing is fun to drive at any speed, although it probably can’t match the breakneck pace Calvin and Hobbes reach in their downhill adventures.
The Sea-Burban is a Woodward Dream Cruise regular, and it’s always a joy to see it surfing the heat waves emanating off the old-school muscle cars trundling along the boulevard.
The BMW Isetta is already a funky machine, with its single front-mounted door, as this owner is showing off here. This example expresses the uniqueness even more by its wacky paint job, with a series of flames down its side and a terrifying monster face painted on the front that will haunt our nightmares for the next week.
The passing parade
Patrick Winslow of Big Torch Key, Florida, celebrated his 57th birthday on July 4 in style, WPLG-TV reported. Around 11:30 a.m., Winslow drove to the Conch Tour Train Depot in Key West and left his car running, with rock music blaring from the radio. He told employees there that he used to work for the company and asked for a tour of the train. But then he got into one of the trains and took off; the employees were “confused,” thinking maybe he had permission to drive the train.
They were able to track Winslow with GPS; police found him at Southernmost Point Buoy, where they said he “exhibited rapid speech and appeared excited.” Winslow said he just “borrowed” the train because it was his birthday. Then they found a methamphetamine pipe in his pocket and charged him with burglary, grand theft auto and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was held on $60,000 bond.
Source: https://shepherdexpress.com/puzzles/news-of-the-weird/news-of-the-weird-week-of-july-17-2025
Bright idea
Looking to get a little more classical music in your life? Just wander over the line while driving in Fujairah in the UAE and listen to the stirring sounds of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, courtesy of the Fujairah Fine Arts Academy. The Associated Press reported on July 7 that when drivers hit the grooves in the road, the best-known parts of the composition are played
-- especially at 60mph, when the tune is just right. Academy director Ali Obaid Al Hefaiti said the project is “focused on spreading the art culture. The combination of music in our lives and our normal lives,” he said. He believes it is the first “singing shoulder” in the Arab world.
Source: https://shepherdexpress.com/puzzles/news-of-the-weird/news-of-the-weird-week-of-july-17-2025
And finally….
A new #1 most stolen vehicle in Canada
The new #1, the Toyota Highlander is globally serviceable and has a high resale value both domestically and internationally; noting criminals continually shift demand to maximize their profits from the illegal sale of vehicles.
Nearly all of the vehicles on the national list are 2019 or newer models and have vulnerabilities that come with keyless ignitions, particularly as these vehicles do not come equipped with anti-theft devices aligned to the ULC 338 Anti-theft Standards
Source: https://www.equiteassociation.com/top-10-most-stolen-vehicles
Team goals: Lower Sackville NAPA Auto Parts locations aims to “meet and exceed” customer expectations
By Kristen Lipscombe
Believe it or not, the store manager for NAPA Auto Parts in Lower Sackville used to be a professional chef.
Among the many positions he’s held over the course of his career, Roddy Wishart has worked his magic in the kitchen at fine dining restaurants in Halifax, where satisfying customers is always the top priority.
So naturally, Wishart brings his philosophy of being “100 per cent customer focused” to his role at the corporateowned Lower Sackville NAPA Auto Parts location, where he’s been heading up a busy team of 15 staff members for the past four and a half years.
“I think it comes from my kitchen background, mostly,” Wishart told Auto and Trucking Atlantic. “It was my profession and the customers are everything.”
“If the customer’s not happy, they’re not coming back,” he added. “We used to say back in the restaurant business, ‘nobody tells anybody that you had a great meal, but they’re certainly going to tell somebody you had a horrible one.’
“And the same can go for any line of work,” Wishart said, and that of course includes, “service for parts.”
Wishart’s business philosophy also aligns closely with NAPA’s mission of providing outstanding customer service from its highly trusted and dedicated team of exceptional experts nationwide - including right here on the east coast
As Wishart, who also previously worked as a project manager in the construction and electrical industries says, “treating the customers fairly and with respect – and doing absolutely everything you can for them – is what
we try to do every day.”
Wishart moved from the restaurant business after about 15 years in the industry to better accommodate his family, then moved to project management for various companies, giving him a diverse background and plenty of experience to help him lead the bustling NAPA Auto Parts location on Sackville Drive.
Along with his values aligning well with NAPA, Wishart said that before taking the job, he chatted with friends who had worked for the company and was hearing over and over again that it’s “a good place to work and you’re treated quite well.”
Wishart passes that positive treatment down to his own employees, from the warehouse crew to the front counter staff, from the dispatch team to the
drivers. “It’s a pretty big machine.”
“Some of our bigger customers, it’s been fantastic to work with them, because I already have relationships with them,” added Wishart, who just happened to grow up in the Sackville community, which is a part of Halifax Regional Municipality, although he commutes from his home in Tantallon now.
“It’s people that I already know, whether it was playing sports,” or from his teenage years attending Sackville High School.
“We have a great group of loyal customers, that was cultivated long before I arrived, and we continue to service them to the best of our abilities,” he said.
“Through building relationships with the customer base over the years, I am happy to call many of them friends. Growing up in this community has allowed me to understand our customers’ needs and what their customers demand of them. I like to think that we are more partners than vendors and supplier.”
Wishart said he played pretty much every sport growing up in Sackville, which means he brings values learned from those experiences to his own team at NAPA Auto Parts. He’s appreciative of each and every one of his employees, as they all play an important role in making the business run smoothly and successfully, day in and day out.
“We’re all a team, whether we’re answering phones or we’re driving a car,” Wishart said.
“The team here is a great bunch of individuals on their own, and a wonderful group to work with. I say team, because we all pull together when the need arises to get the job done… and work towards that common goal.”
That common goal, of course, is to “not only meet but exceed our service levels, both in the store and delivering to our customers.”
Go to www.napacanada.com for more.
MOTOR MATTERS
News gathered from around the Canadian automotive and trucking industries that’s vital knowledge for our businesses to thrive.
New motor vehicle registrations, second quarter 2025
Canadians registered 541,566 new motor vehicles in the second quarter, up 5.9% from the second quarter of 2024 and an increase of 26.9% from the first quarter of 2025. Despite concerns over automobile tariffs, the second quarter of 2025 marked the highest number of new quarterly registrations since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
All vehicle types saw an increase in new registrations in the second quarter compared with the previous year. New registrations for vans (+29.0%) saw the largest increase, followed by multipurpose vehicles (+6.8%), pickup trucks (+2.5%) and passenger cars (+1.0%).
Among fuel types, new registrations for hybrid electric vehicles increased 60.7% in the second quarter compared with the same period one year earlier, continuing their trend of solid year-over-year growth. New registrations for diesel-powered vehicles (+15.8%) and gasoline-powered vehicles (+5.6%) also increased, while new registrations for battery electric
vehicles (-39.2%) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (-2.2%) decreased compared with the previous year.
Share of registrations of new zero-emission vehicles remains at over 8% of all new registrations
In the second quarter, 46,366 new zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) were registered, a decrease of 29.5% compared with the same period one year earlier. ZEVs accounted for 8.6% of all new motor vehicle registrations in the second quarter. This share was similar to the share of new registrations in the previous quarter (8.7%), but marks a stark difference with the fourth quarter of 2024, when ZEVs surged to 18.3% of all new registrations.
New zero-emission vehicle registrations continue to fall as rebates dry up
Quebec’s ZEV rebate program (Roulez vert) was reinstated on April 1, 2025, but with lower financial incentives than in 2024. At the same time, Quebec experienced a 38.1% year-overyear decline in new ZEV registrations
in the second quarter of 2025. British Columbia, which halted its ZEV rebate program (Go Electric) in May, saw a decrease in new ZEV registrations of 27.6% compared with the previous year. However, it is worth noting that this marks the fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year declines in new ZEV registrations for the province.
Prince Edward Island (-30.6%), Ontario (-18.6%), Nova Scotia (-14.1%), Saskatchewan (-11.3%) and Manitoba (-4.6%) experienced decreases in new ZEV registrations in the second quarter compared with the previous year. Meanwhile, ZEV registrations increased slightly in New Brunswick (+1.6%), perhaps reflecting the impacts of the federal ZEV rebate program, which was paused earlier this year.
ESDC sends message to industry - Driver Inc, misclassification illegal and has consequences
As Canada celebrates National Trucking Week (Sept 7-14), Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is taking the opportunity to deliver a serious message to employers in the
trucking industry: misclassifying workers under the Driver Inc. model is illegal – and there will be consequences.
In a newly released video titled “Misclassification is Illegal”, ESDC’s Labour Program outlines the crisis of employee misclassification in the road transportation sector and warns companies that non-compliance with the Canada Labour Code will not be tolerated.
“To support compliance in the road transportation industry, we are pleased to share a new video from the Labour Program – Misclassification is Illegal –during National Trucking Week,” the department said in a statement.
The video explains what misclassification is, why it is prohibited under the Canada Labour Code, employer obligations and the consequences of noncompliance.
The video is part of a broader effort to combat the Driver Inc. model, where truck drivers are improperly classified as independent contractors rather than employees. This practice allows some companies to sidestep basic labour obligations, including protections related to overtime pay, vacation, employment insurance (EI), and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).
Driver Inc. misclassification exploits workers and gives non-compliant companies an unfair competitive advantage, driving down wages and labour standards across the industry. CTA and the industry have called for increased funding for the ESDC misclassification team to ensure they can continue to combat noncompliance.
The federal government’s current campaign against misclassification includes the Misclassification in the Road Transportation Industry: Awareness Kit, which remains available online. The kit offers practical tools and educational resources for both employers and drivers, including:
• A clear overview of what constitutes misclassification
• Guidance on how the Labour Pro -
gram investigates and addresses violations
• Posters and videos that can be shared in workplaces
Misclassification is a form of labour abuse that undermines workers’ rights and puts compliant businesses at a disadvantage. Labour inspectors continue to investigate and penalize companies found to be violating the law.
Meanwhile, industry associations, industry participants and labour advocates continue to urge the government to go further in cracking down on offenders and increasing penalties.
The national non-compliance rate with Canadian labour stands at 40% and nearly 65% in Ontario.
“The level of abuse and non-compliance is no longer in question. It’s clear that ESDC needs additional resources to ensure workers are properly protected,” said Jonathan Blackham, Director of Policy and Public Affairs. “The only thing left to do is ensure enforcement officials have the support and tools they need to uphold and enforce labour laws.”
For employers unsure of their obligations, ESDC encourages them to use the awareness kit and video as tools to ensure compliance. The message is clear: if you’re using the Driver Inc. model to cut corners, you are breaking the law –and the government is watching.
PM announcement warns that rapid change is needed but will the trucking industry get the change it needs
On September 5 The Prime Minister of Canada informed Canadians we must be ready for a rapidly changing future – one that will disrupt our businesses and has already significantly curbed investment.
In response to these economic storm clouds, the Prime Minister announced new measures he says will protect our nation while building and transforming
strategic industries within Canada.
“Many of our members are facing the worst economic conditions our industry has seen in three decades,” said CTA President & CEO Stephen Laskowski. “Beyond the programs announced today, the biggest message to Canadians and businesses was the free trade economy we have known for over four decades is on life support, and, perhaps, may never come back as we have known it. Although this message is difficult to hear, it also means governments will also be required to make some tough choices and make policy decisions based on what’s best for the economy and not for political positioning.”
The series of measures announced could potentially assist employees in the trucking industry, as well as company owners; but some of these measures could also hurt the sector, by potentially rewarding carriers participating in various misclassification and tax evasion scams that continue to plague the industry.
CTA will be sending commentary to the Government of Canada on the following matters:
Additional weeks of employment insurance (EI) benefits for LongTenured Workers: Like in all sectors, potential layoffs could become more significant in the trucking sector, and those using the Personal Service Business (PSB) misclassification model, numbering in the thousands, cannot be eligible for these EI benefits – period. The Government must not reward participants of the PSB scam to benefit from this measure.
Buy Canadian Policy: Government procurement that favours Canadian businesses and suppliers must also ensure that these companies are not abusing or misclassifying its workforce.
Clean Fuel Regulations: These amendments to support renewable fuels and biodiesel must be made in cooperation with the end users, many of whom continue to have significant
operational concerns regarding biodiesel and the costs and availability of options such as renewable diesel.
Electric Vehicle Availability Standards: As the CTA continues to reiterate, all heavy truck regulations related to the reduction in carbon emissions must be examined in partnership with OEMs and suppliers, and with the acute awareness of the policy direction that is being taken by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
PM Carney announces major investments for businesses in Atlantic Canada
The global trade landscape is rapidly changing, as the United States fundamentally transforms all of its trading relationships. The effect is profound –displacing workers, disrupting supply chains, and causing uncertainty that is curbing investment. Canada has the best deal of any U.S. trading partner –yet we cannot rely on our most important trade relationship as we once did. We must build our strength at home.
Canada’s new government is building a new industrial strategy to meet this moment and transform our economy to be more resilient to global shocks. Last week, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced the most comprehensive suite of trade resilience measures in Canadian history. This includes investments in workforce training and income supports, a new Strategic Response Fund with $5 billion to help industries adapt and grow, a Buy Canadian Policy to strengthen domestic supply chains, immediate liquidity relief for businesses, and a strengthened Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI). This initiative will provide $1 billion to small and medium-sized enterprises impacted by tariffs so they can diversify their markets, create new revenue sources, and adopt innovative technologies to boost competitiveness.
On September 8, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Prime Minister announced that $80 million from the RTRI will be dedicated to businesses in Atlantic Canada. Sup -
port from the RTRI will help industries across the region that have been most affected by tariffs modernize their operations, protect jobs, and unlock new opportunities for growth at home and abroad – including for the seafood, manufacturing, and steel sectors.
The RTRI, along with the other new measures announced last week, will ensure our businesses have the tools they need to drive Canada’s economic transformation and seize its opportunities.
“Our core mission is building Canada’s economic strength to create more certainty and prosperity for Canadians. That comes down to our workers and businesses – those that build our economy and make Canada strong. Atlantic Canadians have built incredible industries that power this region and our country and bring the best of Canada to trade partners throughout the world. As they face trade pressures and uncertainty, Canada’s new government is making major investments that will enable those workers and businesses to bridge to the future – and thrive in it.”
Congratulations to Vance’s Auto Supplies in celebrating their 50th year in business.
CARQUEST is proud and excited to be in partnership with Vance’s Auto Supplies and look forward to working closely with them for many more years of growth and success.
We are excited to announce that Glenn & Nancy Squires have recently opened up a new CARQUEST Independent location in Clarenville N.L. We look forward to working with their team, and help growing their business going forward.
THE ATLANTIC ROAD REPORT
The province’s decision comes after Quebec pulled all its 1,200 Lion buses from the roads for inspection after the fire, which did not cause injuries.
Chuck Chiasson, New Brunswick transportation minister, says his department issued the recall notice on Friday following direction from Lion.
Chiasson says the Anglophone East school district has 11 Lion buses, Anglophone South has 10, and Francophone Sud has one.
He adds that the province is working with school districts to ensure students have transportation while the inspections are carried out.
The Quebec federation of bus operators has said all the buses were expected to be back in service across the province by Sept. 19th
Newfoundland and Labrador.
At a meeting of the Atlantic Canadian Ministers responsible for Transportation, Ministers are urging the Government of Canada to establish a new, long-term infrastructure funding program to support critical transportation networks that drive interprovincial and international trade and economic prosperity.
With the conclusion of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and the New Building Canada Fund, provinces face a significant funding shortfall for roads, highways, and bridges. A replacement funding program is urgently needed to support ambitious nationbuilding projects and grow interprovincial and international trade.
Climate change, rising road usage, and
Marine transportation also supports the movement of people and goods essential to Atlantic Canadians and the economy. However, ferries are aging and require extensive repairs or replacement. Additional capacity is required for interprovincial ferry services owned by the Government of Canada and Ministers were encouraged by a recent Request for Proposals by Marine Atlantic for an additional vessel.
Atlantic Canada plays a vital role in connecting Canadian exports to global markets, with goods primarily transported by the region’s highway system to major ports or rail lines. In 2024, Atlantic Canada’s total exports reached $40.3 billion, an increase from the previous year.
While recent federal investments in
News and views compiled from around the Atlantic region so you don’t have to!
housing, water, waste management, and transit, and lower Marine Atlantic ferry fares and tolls on the Confederation Bridge, are appreciated, they do not address the pressing need for transportation infrastructure renewal.
“The issue of building and maintaining pieces of transportation infrastructure will always be a significant challenge for provincial governments to tackle on their own. This is why New Brunswick, along with its Atlantic Canadian counterparts, are looking to the Government of Canada to support a revitalization initiative for its regional transportation network. There is a need for federal, long-term provincially allocated funding to address the ongoing rehabilitation of our existing and aging transportation infrastructure. This includes but is not limited to our roads, bridges, and ferries,” said N.B. Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Chuck Chiasson.
NEWFOUNDLAND
Summit provides opportunity to discuss future of ferry services for Newfoundland and Labrador
The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, participated in the Made in Canada: Ferries and Rail Summit held in Hamilton, Ontario, on September 2.
Hosted by the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, the summit brought together key industry leaders, suppliers, and governments to discuss how, by working together, Canada’s rail and ferry industries can use more Canadian steel and aluminum in construction projects. The forum also presented an opportunity to discuss the future needs of ferry and rail projects, capacity constraints and barriers to building in Canada, as well as actions governments could take to support industry.
The summit’s focus on domestic production helps ensure that investments in critical transportation infrastructure –like ferries and trains – directly benefit the people and businesses that form
the backbone of the country’s economy. At a time when these industries are facing intense pressure from tariffs, the summit aimed to foster a more self-sufficient and stronger industrial base at home in Canada.
With four provincial ferries nearing 40 years of age, Newfoundland and Labrador has identified the need for fleet renewal to ensure continued service. The Provincial Government is open to considering a number of options to help sustain the ferry system, including new builds, retrofits, leases and contracts.
In July, the Provincial Government released a request for information (RFI) seeking interest from vendors to provide an additional suitable swing vessel for the province. The RFI, which closes September 5, is seeking market input on available options and potential timelines.
Minister Loveless also discussed this province’s need to explore the benefits and logistical considerations of integrating smaller ferries into the existing transportation network, ensuring improved accessibility and efficiency for communities that rely on ferry services. Incorporating smaller vessels offers several advantages, including cost-effectiveness, reduced environmental impact and the ability to serve less populated routes more effectively.
The summit also provided an opportunity for the minister to discuss the potential for hybrid and electric ferries, as well as the capacity for ferry building within Newfoundland and Labrador.
“This summit was a vital opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure our unique transportation needs are part of the national conversation. Ferries are lifelines for many of our smaller towns and communities and investing in Canadian-built vessels would equate into greater reliability, more jobs and more pride in what we can accomplish together. We’re committed to building a stronger, more connected future for our province, and this summit provided a good initial conversation on what that future might look like. I look forward to
continued dialogue with ministers, labour and industry,” said Loveless.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
New roundabout coming for growing community in
Stratford
A new roundabout is being constructed at the Glen Stewart Drive and Stratford Road intersection to improve safety and traffic flow in one of PEI’s fastest growing communities.
Preliminary site work will take place on September 11 and 12 with minimal traffic disruptions expected.
Starting September 15, traffic patterns on Stratford Road will be adjusted for safety, and to minimize congestion and improve traffic flow during weekday peak travel periods until construction is completed in November.
From Monday to Friday, commuters are encouraged to plan their route before driving in the area and leave for their destinations earlier. The following traffic patterns will apply:
From 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. - one way northbound/outbound traffic on Stratford Road between Glen Stewart Drive and the Trans-Canada Highway.
Southbound/inbound traffic can use alternative routes to access the area, such as Lottie Way, Kinlock Road and Georgetown Road.
From 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.-flaggers will be directing single lane stop-and-go traffic in both directions.
From 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. - one way, southbound/inbound traffic on Stratford Road between the Trans-Canada Highway and Glen Stewart Drive.
Northbound/outbound traffic on Stratford Road can follow posted detour signs.
Access to local business will continue.
