Steering Change

Hosted by Alberta Motor Transport Association

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Oct 2026

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Steering Change: Helping you navigate the commercial transportation industry in Alberta, and beyond. Powered by the Alberta Motor Transport Association.

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November 6, 2026Episode 7517 min

Voices of Industry

It feels like yesterday when we started Steering Change, but this is our 75th episode! Thank you all for listening to us for the last three years. We could not do it without you! In this episode, host Kelsey Hipkin introduces our new segment, Voices of Industry , where we take the pulse of Alberta's commercial transportation industry by hearing directly from the people who keep it moving. Throughout the year, we will be asking timely questions and gathering perspectives from drivers, carriers, suppliers, safety professionals, and industry leaders on the issues, opportunities, and challenges shaping our industry. For this first edition, we are bringing you insights from attendees at our October Regional Meeting in Calgary and Edmonton. If you would like to attend our next Regional Meeting, our final virtual Regional Meeting of the year has just passed, but our special edition Regional Meeting + Holiday Networking events will be hosted next month in December in Calgary, Edmonton, and Grande Prairie. Visit our website to register now: https://amta.ca/events/regional-meetings . And stay tuned to our website for our 2027 virtual and in-person Regional Meeting dates. If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca . We would like to recognize everyone who attended our 2026 AMTA Edmonton Drawdown Dinner. It was a night of networking, dinner, and entertainment. Thank you for your continued support! Are you interested in getting involved with the AMTA? Please contact membership@amta.ca for Membership opportunities and learn the value that AMTA can bring to you and your organization. AMTA seeks to represent our Members in all facets of the industry, but that only works if we hear from you on the issues affecting your day-to-day. We encourage everyone to reach out and share their thoughts and ideas. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at memberservices@amta.ca . Do you have any questions or an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca . Thank you for taking the time to listen. We encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would benefit from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day!

October 23, 2026Episode 7432 min

Navigating Economic Disruption and Change

The Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) is leading a 24-month industry workforce project, funded through Alberta's Industry Workforce Partnerships program, to better understand how tariffs, trade disruptions, and broader economic uncertainty impact Alberta's trucking workforce. The project brings together industry partners including AMTA, Trucking HR Canada, and Women Building Futures. Host Kelsey Hipkin introduces this episode's guest host, Josh Hannabery, AMTA's Senior Advisor, Strategic Partnerships, who chats with Marcel Pouliot, Western Canada Representative, Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC) . Marcel and Josh discuss the goals and particulars of this project to support trucking employers, particularly small and medium-sized carriers, and how the trucking industry is navigating economic disruption and change. If you would like to learn more about the PMTC, visit their website: https://www.pmtc.ca/ . You can also learn more about Trucking HR Canada on their website: https://truckinghr.com/ , and Women Building Futures on their website: https://womenbuildingfutures.ca/ . Take the Employer Survey here: https://survey.alchemer-ca.com/s3/50645286/1fb7d8d28745 This survey aims to understand how economic disruptors are affecting trucking and logistics employers operating in Alberta, how employers are responding, and what practical workforce and change-management resources would help them adapt. The survey is open to employers operating in or through Alberta and closes October 30th, 2026 . If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca . We are near to opening registration for AMTA's 89th Annual Conference taking place on April 7-8, 2027, also at the River Cree Resort and Casino, in Enoch, Alberta. https://amta.ca/portal/events/amta-89th-annual-conference-save-the-date Are you interested in getting involved with the AMTA? Please contact membership@amta.ca for Membership opportunities and learn the value that AMTA can bring to you and your organization. AMTA seeks to represent our Members in all facets of the industry, but that only works if we hear from you on the issues affecting your day-to-day. We encourage everyone to reach out and share their thoughts and ideas. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at memberservices@amta.ca . Do you have any questions or an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca . Thank you for taking the time to listen. We encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would benefit from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day!

October 9, 2026Episode 7314 min

AMTA Safety Campus

Today we bring you a special edition episode of the Steering Change podcast, as the Alberta Motor Transport Association was on site at the Beaumont City Hall on Friday, September 25th, 2026. We were present for a Government of Alberta announcement of $38.5 million to build the infrastructure to support the City of Beaumont's proposed AMTA Safety Campus. The press conference included Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis; City of Beaumont Mayor, Lisa Vanderkwaak; AMTA Board Chair, Tim Bennett; and MLA for Leduc-Beaumont, Brandon Lunty. Learn more about the AMTA Safety Campus announcement on our website: https://amta.ca/news/province-invests-38-5-million-to-support-amta-safety-campus , and visit the AMTA Safety Campus website: https://amtasafetycampus.com/ . If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca . Save the date for AMTA's 89th Annual Conference happening on April 7-8, 2027, at the River Cree Resort and Casino, in Enoch, Alberta. https://amta.ca/portal/events/amta-89th-annual-conference-save-the-date Are you interested in getting involved with the AMTA? Please contact membership@amta.ca for Membership opportunities and learn the value that AMTA can bring to you and your organization. AMTA seeks to represent our Members in all facets of the industry, but that only works if we hear from you on the issues affecting your day-to-day. We encourage everyone to reach out and share their thoughts and ideas. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at memberservices@amta.ca . Do you have any questions or an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca . Thank you for taking the time to listen. We encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would benefit from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day!

September 25, 2026Episode 7236 min

Watching the Weather: Snow on the Horizon

As much as we may want to deny it, winter is approaching! Snowplows will soon be out in full force, working around the clock to keep our highways and communities rolling and safe. Host Kelsey Hipkin is joined by Warren Stasiuk, Safety Manager at Volker Stevin Highways Ltd., and Rob Destree, AMTA Senior Instructor, Driver Development. Warren is back on Steering Change to discuss snowplow safety, what it takes to keep Alberta's roads clear during winter storms, the unique challenges snowplow operators face, and the simple action motorists and commercial drivers can take to reduce risk. Whether you are behind the wheel of a passenger vehicle, a heavy truck, or managing a fleet, this conversation will help ensure that you are prepared for the season ahead. If you would like to learn more about Volker Stevin or snowplow safety, contact Warren on their website at: https://www.volkerstevin.ca/contact/ Visit https://511.alberta.ca/map#:Alerts and select “Snowplows / Maintenance Vehicles” from the filter options on the right of the map to view a live map of snowplows on the highways in Alberta Watch our snowplow safety videos that Rob mentions in the episode on our YouTube page: Part One and Part Two Also mentioned in this episode: a law was put into place in September of 2023 to protect roadside workers on Alberta’s highways. When driving in the closest lane to any stopped roadside vehicle with flashing lights activated, drivers must move to the far lane or slow down to 60 km/hr. Read the law here: https://www.alberta.ca/roadside-worker-safety. Stay tuned for AMTA's Winter Driving course, coming soon! View all our courses on our website: https://amta.ca/education . If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca . This is your last call to register for AMTA’s Whitecourt Safety Summit on October 1. Join us for a full day of content, including a keynote presentation, and sessions with WCB, Trucking HR Canada, and more. Network with like-minded transportation professionals and explore our event tradeshow. Register now: https://amta.ca/event/amta-2026-whitecourt-safety-summit/ AMTA's Drawdown Dinner has returned! Join us in Edmonton at the River Cree Resort and Casino on October 15. Registration is now open: https://www.amta.ca/portal/events/amta-2026-edmonton-drawdown-dinner . Save the date for AMTA's 89th Annual Conference happening on April 7-8, also at the River Cree Resort and Casino, in Enoch, Alberta. https://amta.ca/portal/events/amta-89th-annual-conference-save-the-date Are you interested in getting involved with the AMTA? Please contact membership@amta.ca for Membership opportunities and learn the value that AMTA can bring to you and your organization. AMTA seeks to represent our Members in all facets of the industry, but that only works if we hear from you on the issues affecting your day-to-day. We encourage everyone to reach out and share their thoughts and ideas. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at memberservices@amta.ca . Do you have any questions or an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca . Thank you for taking the time to listen. We encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would benefit from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day!

September 11, 2026Episode 7120 min

Exploring Canada’s Western Gateway

In this episode, we’re talking about Canada’s Western Gateway, or CWG. CWG is the trade and logistics corridor at the heart of Canada’s agricultural supercluster, encompassing Highway 4 in the Lethbridge, Alberta area. The gateway sees an annual economic output of more than 678 million dollars, supports more than 1,000 jobs, is traveled by more than 2,400 trucks per day, and is home to more than 700 transportation and logistics businesses. Host Kelsey Hipkin is joined by Rylan Howard, Cluster Development Manager, Canada’s Western Gateway and Economic Development Lethbridge; Cody Fluet, Industry Development Coordinator with Canada’s Western Gateway and Economic Development Lethbridge; and AMTA Senior Advisor, Strategic Partnerships, Josh Hannaberry. To learn more about the CWG, visit their website: https://www.canadaswesterngateway.ca/ , or contact Rylan Howard at rylan@chooselethbridge.ca (403-635-2670), or Cody Fluet at cody@chooselethbridge.ca . Register for the Canada's Western Gateway In Motion 2026 event here: https://www.canadaswesterngateway.ca/events/canadas-western-gateway-in-motion-2026 . To listen to the Steering Change episode where we chat with The Highway 3 Twinning Development Association, click here: https://amta.ca/steeringchange/episodes/episode-68 . If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca . AMTA’s Whitecourt Safety Summit is on October 1. Join us for a full day of content, including a keynote presentation, and sessions with WCB, Trucking HR Canada, and more. Network with like-minded transportation professionals and explore our event tradeshow. Register now: https://amta.ca/event/amta-2026-whitecourt-safety-summit/ AMTA's Drawdown Dinner has returned! Join us in Edmonton at the River Cree Resort and Casino on October 15. Registration is now open: https://www.amta.ca/portal/events/amta-2026-edmonton-drawdown-dinner . Save the date for AMTA's 89th Annual Conference happening on April 7-8, also at the River Cree Resort and Casino, in Enoch, Alberta. https://amta.ca/portal/events/amta-89th-annual-conference-save-the-date Are you interested in getting involved with the AMTA? Please contact membership@amta.ca for Membership opportunities and learn the value that AMTA can bring to you and your organization. AMTA seeks to represent our Members in all facets of the industry, but that only works if we hear from you on the issues affecting your day-to-day. We encourage everyone to reach out and share their thoughts and ideas. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at memberservices@amta.ca . Do you have any questions or an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca .

August 28, 2026Episode 7022 min

Simulator Sitdown: AMTA Mobile Training and Beyond

In this episode, we are taking a closer look at how technology is helping both experienced and potential drivers build confidence, sharpen critical driving skills, and prepare for real-world conditions in a safe and controlled setting. Host Kelsey Hipkin is joined by AMTA’s Cliff Litke , Senior Advisor, Member Services, and Rob Destree , Senior Instructor, Driver Development, on location in both our south and (new!) north mobile simulator trailers. In our conversation, we discuss the various scenario modules that are available, how training can be tailored to each driver's needs, and how these simulators can benefit both our members and the industry in general. In addition, stay tuned to the end of the episode as we sit down with Rob Destree to discuss AMTA's new Professional Driver Improvement course (PDIC), and stay tuned to our website for the release of this course: https://www.amta.ca/courses/amta-elearning . Learn more about AMTA's mobile training simulators on our website: https://amta.ca/simulator-training , and contact us at memberservices@amta.ca to book the simulators for your organization. If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca . AMTA’s Whitecourt Safety Summit is on October 1. Join us for a full day of content including a keynote presentation, and sessions with WCB, Trucking HR Canada and more. Network with like-minded transportation professionals and explore our event tradeshow. Register now: https://amta.ca/event/amta-2026-whitecourt-safety-summit/ AMTA's Drawdown Dinner has returned! Join us in Edmonton at the River Cree Resort and Casino on October 15. Registration is now open: https://www.amta.ca/portal/events/amta-2026-edmonton-drawdown-dinner . Save the date for AMTA's 89th Annual Conference happening on April 7-8, also at the River Cree Resort and Casino, in Enoch, Alberta: https://amta.ca/conference/ . Are you interested in getting involved with the AMTA? Please contact membership@amta.ca for Membership opportunities and learn the value that AMTA can bring to you and your organization. AMTA seeks to represent our Members in all facets of the industry, but that only works if we hear from you on the issues affecting your day-to-day. We encourage everyone to reach out and share their thoughts and ideas. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at memberservices@amta.ca . Do you have any questions or an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca .

August 14, 2026Episode 6932 min

Protect Your Legacy - The Road to Succession

In this episode, we are diving into succession planning; a topic that is important for every carrier ownership group, regardless of whether you are planning to retire next year or ten years from now. In our conversation, host Kelsey Hipkin chats with Sean MacLachlan, Partner with MLT Aikins LLP, to discuss when owners should start planning, what buyers and successors are looking for, common mistakes that can reduce business value, and practical steps owners can take to protect both their people and their legacy. Learn more about MLT Aikins on their website: https://www.mltaikins.com/ , or reach out to Sean directly at smaclachlan@mltaikins.com . Want to hear more from Sean? Join us at AMTA's next Regional Meeting, held virtually on September 9. Hear from our guest speakers, Sean MacLachlan and Robert Law, of MLT Aikins LLP, on our feature topic: "Signing, Writing, and Negotiating Contracts for the Commercial Transportation Industry: What to know to protect yourself" Register now: https://www.amta.ca/portal/events/amta-september-regional-meeting-virtual If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca . AMTA’s Whitecourt Safety Summit is on October 1. Join us for a full day of content including a keynote presentation, and sessions with WCB, Trucking HR Canada and more. Network with like-minded transportation professionals and explore our event tradeshow. Register now: https://amta.ca/event/amta-2026-whitecourt-safety-summit/ AMTA's Drawdown Dinner has returned! Join us in Edmonton at the River Cree Resort and Casino on October 15. Registration is now open: https://www.amta.ca/portal/events/amta-2026-edmonton-drawdown-dinner . Save the date for AMTA's 89th Annual Conference happening on April 7-8, also at the River Cree Resort and Casino, in Enoch, Alberta. Are you interested in getting involved with the AMTA? Please contact membership@amta.ca for Membership opportunities and learn the value that AMTA can bring to you and your organization. AMTA seeks to represent our Members in all facets of the industry, but that only works if we hear from you on the issues affecting your day-to-day. We encourage everyone to reach out and share their thoughts and ideas. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at memberservices@amta.ca . Do you have any questions or an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca .

July 31, 2026Episode 6828 min

Safety, Economics, and Improved Travel on Alberta's Highway 3

In this episode, we are discussing the improvements being made to the Highway 3 corridor between the BC border and Medicine Hat over the last several years in the way of passing lanes and twinning in the name of aiding traffic flow and improving safety. In our conversation, host Kelsey Hipkin chats with Gordon Reynolds, The Highway 3 Twinning Development Association (H3TDA) President and Mayor of Bow Island, Alberta, and Brad Beerling, AMTA Senior Vice Chair of the Board, as well as co-host Josh Hannaberry, AMTA Senior Advisor of Strategic Partnerships, to deep dive into the progress being made, commercial transportation and economic impacts, and the highway history, including the many years the H3TDA has been advocating for the roadway. Learn more about the H3TDA on their website: https://www.twin3.ca/ If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca . AMTA will release its 2027 Education Course Calendar at the end of September. Effective September 28, 2026, government-issued photo ID will be verified at the start of all online and in-person classes, and webcams will be required to be turned on for all online and instructor-led courses. Learn more on our website: https://amta.ca/training-policies , or contact training@amta.ca with any questions or concerns. AMTA’s Whitecourt Safety Summit is on October 1. Join us for a full day of content including a keynote presentation, and sessions with WCB, Trucking HR Canada and more. Network with like-minded transportation professionals and explore our event tradeshow. Register now: https://www.amta.ca/portal/events/17 AMTA’s Driver Appreciation Days return this September! Dates and volunteer opportunities are open and on our website: https://amta.ca/portal/events/amta-driver-appreciation-days . Spots are filling quickly! Do you have swag that you want to donate for the swag bags? Email events@amta.ca to learn how you can get involved. Are you interested in getting involved with the AMTA? Please contact membership@amta.ca for Membership opportunities and learn the value that AMTA can bring to you and your organization. AMTA seeks to represent our Members in all facets of the industry, but that only works if we hear from you on the issues affecting your day-to-day. We encourage everyone to reach out and share their thoughts and ideas. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at memberservices@amta.ca . Do you have any questions or an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca .

July 17, 2026Episode 6734 min

You Don't Need a Title to Be a Mentor

In this episode, we are talking about the power of mentorship: why a carrier that genuinely cares about a driver's journey creates lasting success, and how great recruiting goes far beyond filling seats. It's about seeing potential, breaking down barriers, making yourself a little uncomfortable, and matching the right person with the right opportunity. In our conversation, host Kelsey Hipkin chats with Brent Bell , General Commodities Relocation Engineer with Action Transportation, and AMTA's 2026 Professional Truck Driving Championship Fred Deddle Rookie Award winner, as well as Lisa Thompson , National Sales Executive with Adecco, and AMTA's Josh Hannaberry , Senior Advisor of Strategic Partnerships. Our guests share their stories and explore how investing in people, not just positions, builds stronger carriers, stronger companies, and a stronger industry. If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca . AMTA will release its 2027 Education Course Calendar at the end of September. Effective September 28, 2026, government-issued photo ID will be verified at the start of all online and in-person classes, and webcams will be required to be turned on for all online and instructor-led courses. Learn more on our website: https://amta.ca/training-policies , or contact training@amta.ca with any questions or concerns. Mark your calendars! AMTA’s Drawdown Dinner is returning this year to the River Cree Resort and Casino on October 15. More details to come. Save the date for AMTA’s 89th Annual Conference, also taking place at the River Cree Resort and Casino on April 7-8, 2027. More details coming soon. AMTA’s Whitecourt Safety Summit is on October 1. Join us for a full day of content including a keynote presentation, and sessions with WCB, Trucking HR Canada and more. Network with like-minded transportation professionals and explore our event tradeshow. Register now: https://www.amta.ca/portal/events/17 AMTA’s Driver Appreciation Days return this September! Dates and volunteer opportunities are open and on our website: https://amta.ca/portal/events/amta-driver-appreciation-days . Spots are filling quickly! Do you have swag that you want to donate for the swag bags? Email events@amta.ca to learn how you can get involved. Are you interested in getting involved with the AMTA? Please contact membership@amta.ca for Membership opportunities and learn the value that AMTA can bring to you and your organization. AMTA seeks to represent our Members in all facets of the industry, but that only works if we hear from you on the issues affecting your day-to-day. We encourage everyone to reach out and share their thoughts and ideas. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at memberservices@amta.ca . Do you have any questions or an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca .

July 3, 2026Episode 6633 min

A Stronger Collective Voice

In this episode, host Kelsey Hipkin chats with AMTA’s Andy Barnes, Senior Advisor, Government Relations and Compliance , to discuss the value of AMTA’s involvement with key industry organizations and how these relationships help strengthen our advocacy efforts, improve industry engagement, and ensure that the voice of our members is heard where it matters most. Learn more about AMTA’s Government Relations and Compliance (GRC) work (formerly known as Compliance and Regulatory Affairs) on our website: https://amta.ca/government-relations . AMTA’s Q3 GRC Committee meeting will be held in Calgary on September 15: https://amta.ca/portal/events/16 , and the Q4 meeting will be held virtually on December 15: https://www.amta.ca/portal/events/27 . These meetings are open to Full Carrier, Subsidiary Carrie, and Elite Members. Register now! Learn more about AMTA Memberships on our website: https://amta.ca/become-a-member , and contact membership@amta.ca with any questions. Learn more about Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA): https://www.ccmta.ca/en/ Learn more about Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC): https://www.pmtc.ca/ Learn more about the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA): https://cvsa.org/ Learn more about Driver Inc. by watching AMTA’s three-part video series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmicsdS-lHRq-4QW_m2sfu1rhylz87mbg . Learn more about Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors: https://www.alberta.ca/transportation-and-economic-corridors If you have any questions or concerns about topics related to what was discussed in this episode, or commercial transportation and driver safety, please do not hesitate to contact our Member Services team at memberservices@amta.ca . Mark your calendars! AMTA’s Drawdown Dinner is returning this year to the River Cree Resort and Casino on October 15. More details to come. Save the date for AMTA’s 89th Annual Conference, also taking place at the River Cree Resort and Casino on April 7-8, 2027. More details coming soon. AMTA’s Whitecourt Safety Summit is on October 1. Join us for a full day of content including a keynote presentation, and sessions with WCB, Trucking HR Canada and more. Network with like-minded transportation professionals and explore our event tradeshow. Register now: https://www.amta.ca/portal/events/17 AMTA’s Driver Appreciation Days return this September! Dates and volunteer opportunities will come in the near future. In the meantime, do you have swag that you want to donate? This is the official callout! Email events@amta.ca to learn how you can get involved. Are you interested in getting involved with the AMTA? Please contact membership@amta.ca for Membership opportunities and learn the value that AMTA can bring to you and your organization. AMTA seeks to represent our Members in all facets of the industry, but that only works if we hear from you on the issues affecting your day-to-day. We encourage everyone to reach out and share their thoughts and ideas. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at memberservices@amta.ca . Do you have any questions or an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca .