Only a dozen spots left for the WTFC “Bridging the Barriers” event September 20/21

The 5th annual “Bridging Barriers” will be held on September 21st.

Diversity, human trafficking and insurance are key topics of interest

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Highlights of this year’s “Bridging the Barriers” conference will include a panel on Insurance, focus on human trafficking and updates on diversity, equity and inclusion in the Trucking industry.

“We are a very multi-racial industry,” says event organizer Shelley Walker of the Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada (WTFC). “However, just because we are Canadian, does not mean we do everything right.”

The September 20/21st event is almost sold out with about a dozen spots left before ticket sales are closed. Walker says several attendees are coming for the diversity/equity/inclusion elements including keynote speaker Samra Zafar “who are not even part of the Trucking industry. Our conference is different than standard industry events, and we attract people from a wider audience,” she notes.

Another important focus of the event will be on preventing human trafficking. “Our silent auction this year is dedicated to raising funds for initiatives to prevent human trafficking, and our volunteer Angela Baltkois has done a phenomenal job soliciting auction items,” Walker says.

Special guest the Honourable Caroline Mulroney, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation is expected to bring greetings at 10am.

The 11:30am insurance panel will discuss the question, “What can the insurance industry do to help you?” A networking event will also be held the evening before. Information on both the September 20 Networking event and the September 21st day’s events can be found by clicking on this link.

“The overall goal for the event is to bring all areas of the industry together in one space, from the front line, to safety, up to and including senior decision makers, and government officials as well,” says Walker.

The Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada is a non-profit organization established to encourage the employment of women in the transportation industry; its purpose is to promote personal growth and responsibility whether members are in the office, under the hood or behind the wheel.

“Despite the name, ‘Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada,’ our membership is not limited to women,” notes Walker. “We welcome the involvement of anyone who is positive and supportive of women in the transportation industry.

“We aim to provide a platform and open environment for women across the transportation industry to come together, problem solve, share ideas and help to promote our industry to future generations as a viable career option. We are always looking for like minded individuals and organizations to join our mission.”

The Women’s Trucking Federation of Canada is a network of women created for women to empower, expand and retain employment of — and shift attitudes about — women in the Trucking industry and beyond. This includes supporting the industry with issues around training, safety, career progression, education, mentoring and more.

Established in 2015, WTFC has a significant, and loyal membership and following of women and men in the industry — from drivers to carrier executives.