History

In spring 2017, a group of livestock transporters felt it was essential to get the livestock transport sector organized to provide a unified voice for issues and concerns to government. They made a commitment to start the process by bringing together commercial swine transporters to form the Ontario Livestock Transporters’ Alliance (OLTA).

The association was formed as transporters were hearing back from government departments that they wanted a group or association they can work with rather than individual companies.  Besides government relations, a transporters’ association also provides a network for sharing information (such as disease advisories and regulatory changes) and developing resources (e.g., contingency plan templates and training programs).

The lack of a national animal transportation association created a void which led to other groups stepping in to speak on behalf of the sector.  In 2023, as the Ontario Livestock Transporters’ Alliance entered its sixth year of existence, members voted for OLTA to transition to a national livestock transport association. 

The Canadian Livestock Transporters’ Alliance came into being in August 2023.  The creation of a recognized national voice for animal transport should ensure animal transporters are given the opportunity to have input on animal transport issues and other national issues.

The current membership includes 20 transport members. Cattle and swine transporters are represented by members located in Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Quebec. The association is open to both commercial and producer transporters. 

Photo courtesy of Farm & Food Care