On the Road with Mental Health

On the Road with Mental Health

In this episode, host Kelsey Hipkin welcomes back to the podcast Kristopher Marks, founder and CEO of VĪV Mental Health.  In our conversation, we dig deeper into the connection between mental health and workplace safety, explore what psychological safety really looks like in practice, and discuss what employers and workers can do to create healthier, safer workplaces. * If you are experiencing isolation or struggling with your mental health and need help, there are many resources available: https://www.vivmentalhealth.com/resources/ [https://www.vivmentalhealth.com/resources/]. [https://www.vivmentalhealth.com/] If you would like to [https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/occupational-health-safety/employee-assistance-services/employee-assistance-program.html]learn more about VĪV Mental Health, please visit vivmentalhealth.com/ [http://vivmentalhealth.com/], or contact them at info@www.vivmentalhealth.com. [info@www.vivmentalhealth.com.In] Read Dave Elniski’s Guide: Psychosocial Hazard Control in Alberta’s Trucking Industry: https://amta.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Final-Version-of-Psychosocial-Hazards-Guide-Dave-Elniski-AMTA-15-Jul-22.pdf [https://amta.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Final-Version-of-Psychosocial-Hazards-Guide-Dave-Elniski-AMTA-15-Jul-22.pdf] Get your tickets to VIV’s reVĪVal event, coming up on June 13 in Edmonton: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/revival-celebrating-community-connection-5-years-of-viv-tickets-1987066705005 [https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/revival-celebrating-community-connection-5-years-of-viv-tickets-1987066705005] Watch or listen to our previous episode with Kris here: https://www.steeringchange.ca/episodes/episode-26 [https://www.steeringchange.ca/episodes/episode-26] 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 [memberservices@amta.ca?]. * Get your tickets and spend the day with us in Whitecourt on September 30th for our second and final Safety Summit of 2026. Tickets are only $30! Along with Kris Marks as our keynote speaker, join us for a full day of content, including sessions with WCB, Trucking HR Canada, and more. Network with like-minded transportation professionals and explore our event tradeshow. * Our Calgary Golf Tournament is completely sold out, however there are still a few single spots and one foursome spot remaining for our Edmonton Golf Tournament. Those spots will go fast, so get them before they are gone! https://amta.ca/event/amta-edmonton-golf-tournament/ [https://amta.ca/event/amta-edmonton-golf-tournament/] * 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 [events@amta.ca] to learn how you can get involved. * 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. Are you interested in getting involved with the AMTA? Please contact membership@amta.ca [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 [memberservices@amta.ca?].  Do you have any questions or an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca [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 receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day!

The Evolution of Automation

In this episode, host Kelsey Hipkin sits down with Wayne Scott, Sr Director of Transport Maintenance at Loblaw Companies Limited, and Rich Steiner, VP of Government Relations and Public Affairs at Gatik. In our conversation, we explore what autonomous really means, from both a safety perspective, and what it could mean for the future of industry. Learn more about the work at Gatik by visiting their website: https://gatik.ai/ [https://gatik.ai/], and more about Loblaw on their website: https://www.loblaw.ca/ [https://www.loblaw.ca/]. If you would like to learn more about the ongoing innovation projects that Terri Johnson and AMTA’s Industry Advancement team are doing, including the Hydrogen Commercial Vehicle Demonstrations and trials, visit our website: https://amta.ca/innovation-projects/ [https://amta.ca/innovation-projects/], or learn more about the Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell truck used in AMTA’s Zero Emission Truck Testbed (ZETT) project in collaboration with several partners, including Loblaw, watch our latest video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om02sBChgHM [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om02sBChgHM]. 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 [memberservices@amta.ca?]. * Today (May 22, 2026) is the FINAL day to register for AMTA’s Professional Truck Driving Championship (PTDC), taking place May 30 at our Edmonton International Airport office location. Learn more about PTDC, and register as a driver or volunteer on our website: https://amta.ca/event/2026-professional-truck-driving-championship/. [https://amta.ca/event/2026-professional-truck-driving-championship/] Are you interested in getting involved with the AMTA? Please contact membership@amta.ca [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 [memberservices@amta.ca?].  Do you have an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca [marcom@amta.ca?].  Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions, and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at:  Web: amta.ca [https://amta.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Job-Grant-Complete-Pkg.pdf] Instagram: amta_ca/ [https://www.instagram.com/amta_ca/] Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociation [https://www.facebook.com/AlbertaMotorTransportAssociation/] LinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association [https://www.linkedin.com/company/alberta-motor-transport-association/] Thank you for taking the time to listen. We encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day!

Leading with Safety

In this episode, host Kelsey Hipkin was LIVE on location at the Grey Eagle Event Centre in Calgary, AB, for AMTA’s 88th Annual Conference, to introduce a very special episode. What separates the safest carriers from the rest? In this episode, recorded on the Grey Eagle Event Centre Stage, April 22, 2026, we explore what industry leaders are doing to prioritize Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), reduce workplace incidents, and maintain top safety ratings. Our panelists for this conversation are Jeff Rosnau, CEO of Whitecourt Transport; Kyle Pouliot, Director of Operations at Caneda Transport; and Matt Cook, Director, HSE & Operational Risk at Arrow Transportation Systems, with moderator Laura Lunt, Board Director at AMTA. If you have any questions for our guests from the Leading with Safety panel, sponsored by Tiger Calcium, or would like to learn more, please contact memberservices@amta.ca [memberservices@amta.ca], and we will get you in touch with our panelists. As mentioned by Jeff, learn more about AMTA’s Certificate of Recognition (COR) program on our website: https://amta.ca/cor/ [https://amta.ca/cor/]. As mentioned by Matt, visit our Micro-Learn library on our website: https://amta.ca/micro-learn/ [https://amta.ca/micro-learn/]. 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 [memberservices@amta.ca?]. * Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 88th Annual Conference a few weeks ago. AMTA’s 89th Annual Conference is already in production, and we look forward to seeing you all in Enoch, AB, at the River Cree Resort and Casino April 7-8, 2027. * AMTA has secured our dates for our 2026 Safety Summits. Register now for Medicine Hat on May 14 [https://amta.ca/event/amta-2026-medicine-hat-safety-summit/] and Whitecourt o [https://amta.ca/event/amta-2026-whitecourt-safety-summit/]n September 30 - [https://amta.ca/event/amta-2026-medicine-hat-safety-summit/]it’s only $30! * Driver and Volunteer registration is open now for AMTA’s Professional Truck Driving Championship! (registration closes May 22) Please note registration for both Drivers and Volunteers goes quickly. Learn more about PTDC on our website: https://amta.ca/event/2026-professional-truck-driving-championship/. [https://amta.ca/event/2026-professional-truck-driving-championship/] Are you interested in getting involved with the AMTA? Please contact membership@amta.ca [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 [memberservices@amta.ca?].  Do you have an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca [marcom@amta.ca?].  Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions, and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at:  Web: amta.ca [https://amta.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Job-Grant-Complete-Pkg.pdf] Instagram: amta_ca/ [https://www.instagram.com/amta_ca/] Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociation [https://www.facebook.com/AlbertaMotorTransportAssociation/] LinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association [https://www.linkedin.com/company/alberta-motor-transport-association/] Thank you for taking the time to listen. We encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day!

Are You a Light Duty Commercial Carrier? Every Trip Matters

In this episode, host Kelsey Hipkin welcomes Nicole Carrier, Fleet Manager at South Country Co-op Limited, and Jake House, Compliance Business Partner at Ledcor, along with two familiar faces from AMTA: Cliff Litke, Senior Advisor, Member Services, and Josh Hannaberry, Senior Advisor, Strategic Partnerships. In our conversation, we look into what AMTA’s new Light Duty Carrier Compliance course entails, the history behind what was formerly known as ‘Option 4’, and AMTA’s work with the Edmonton Police Service to create this course, which helps drivers of mid-sized commercial vehicles better understand the rules, improving safety, and protecting everyone on the road. Learn more and take AMTA’s Light Duty Carrier Compliance course now: https://amta.ca/courses/light-duty-carrier-compliance/ [https://amta.ca/courses/light-duty-carrier-compliance/]. If you have any questions for our guests, please contact Nicole Carrier at N.Carrier@sccoop.ca [N.Carrier@sccoop.ca] or visit the South Country Co-op website: https://www.southcountryco-op.crs/sites/southcountry/ [https://www.southcountryco-op.crs/sites/southcountry/]. Please contact Jake House at jake.house@ledcor.com [jake.house@ledcor.com] or visit the Ledcor website: https://www.ledcor.com/ [https://www.ledcor.com/]. This topic was also the feature of our April 2026 Calgary Regional Meeting. AMTA Regional Meetings are an opportunity for members, partners, and anyone interested in commercial transportation to gather and learn about industry updates, WCB, Alberta Sheriffs, AMTA events, and guest speakers. Learn more and register now for our next Regional Meeting: https://amta.ca/regional-meetings/ [https://amta.ca/regional-meetings/]. 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 [memberservices@amta.ca?]. * Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 88th Annual Conference this week. AMTA’s 89th Annual Conference is already in production, and we look forward to seeing you all in Enoch, AB, at the River Cree Resort and Casino April 8-9, 2027. * AMTA has secured our dates for our 2026 Safety Summits. Register now for Medicine Hat on May 14 [https://amta.ca/event/amta-2026-medicine-hat-safety-summit/] and Whitecourt on September 30 [https://amta.ca/event/amta-2026-whitecourt-safety-summit/] - it’s only $30! * Driver and Volunteer registration is open now for AMTA’s Professional Truck Driving Championship! (registration closes May 22) Please note registration for both Drivers and Volunteers goes quickly. Learn more about PTDC on our website: https://amta.ca/event/2026-professional-truck-driving-championship/ [https://amta.ca/event/2026-professional-truck-driving-championship/]. Are you interested in getting involved with the AMTA? Please contact membership@amta.ca [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 [memberservices@amta.ca?].  Do you have an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca [marcom@amta.ca?].  Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions, and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at:  Web: amta.ca [https://amta.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Job-Grant-Complete-Pkg.pdf] Instagram: amta_ca/ [https://www.instagram.com/amta_ca/] Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociation [https://www.facebook.com/AlbertaMotorTransportAssociation/] LinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association [https://www.linkedin.com/company/alberta-motor-transport-association/] Thank you for taking the time to listen. We encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day!

Where Professionals Prove Their Precision

In this episode, host Kelsey Hipkin chats with Matt Geib and Don MacDonald of AMTA's Professional Truck Driving Championship (PTDC) committee. In our conversation, we look ahead to AMTA's upcoming 76th PTDC, which returns to our EIA office on May 30, 2026. We discuss the specifications of the competition and what it takes to navigate the course, the importance of having an event that celebrates commercial drivers, what the future holds for this event, and more. Commercial drivers ensure goods and services in Alberta get to where they need to go, and this event serves to highlight the skillsets required behind the wheel. 2026 categories are Straight Truck, Day Cab Tractor, Bunk Truck Tractor, B Train, and CONFIRMED for this year’s event, we have added a new category: Tandem Steer/Tri-Drive. Driver and Volunteer registration is open now! (registration closes May 22) Please note registration for both Drivers and Volunteers goes quickly. Learn more about PTDC on our website: https://amta.ca/event/2026-professional-truck-driving-championship/ [https://amta.ca/event/2026-professional-truck-driving-championship/]. 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 [memberservices@amta.ca?]. * TODAY (April 10, 2026) IS YOUR FINAL CALL for AMTA’s 88th Annual Conference! Join us at the Grey Eagle Event Centre on April 22-23, 2026, for a jam-packed program covering industry, enforcement, communication, and the impacts of artificial intelligence. As well as our awards dinner, tradeshow, and more. Get your tickets before they are gone: https://www.amtaconference.ca/. [https://www.amtaconference.ca/.] * AMTA has secured our dates for our 2026 Safety Summits. Register now for Medicine Hat on May 14 [https://amta.ca/event/amta-2026-medicine-hat-safety-summit/] and Whitecourt on September 30 [https://amta.ca/event/amta-2026-whitecourt-safety-summit/]. Are you interested in getting involved with the AMTA? Please contact membership@amta.ca [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 [memberservices@amta.ca?].  Do you have an idea for a future Steering Change series? Message us at marcom@amta.ca [marcom@amta.ca?].  Listeners, don’t forget about the AMTA Mailbag! We want to hear from you with your industry queries. DM us with your questions, and we will answer via the AMTA Mailbag segment in future episodes or directly via our team of advisors.   Join the conversation at:  Web: amta.ca [https://amta.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Job-Grant-Complete-Pkg.pdf] Instagram: amta_ca/ [https://www.instagram.com/amta_ca/] Facebook: AlbertaMotorTransportAssociation [https://www.facebook.com/AlbertaMotorTransportAssociation/] LinkedIn: alberta-motor-transport-association [https://www.linkedin.com/company/alberta-motor-transport-association/] Thank you for taking the time to listen. We encourage you to share this episode with those in your network who would receive value from our conversation. Make sure to hit that subscribe button and have a safe day!