Over 34 years and 3 million kilometres with no preventable collisions
“Highway Hero” Named Canadian Truck Driver of the Year

April 8, 1999

Jules Balcaen, 55, a driver with Bulk Milk Haulers Ltd. in Steinbach, Manitoba, is the recipient of the 1999 Canadian Trucking Alliance/Volvo Trucks Canada National Driver of the Year.

The award has been presented annually for 24 years to a Canadian truck driver who exemplifies safety, courtesy and professionalism, both on and off the road. It was presented to Balcaen at a ceremony held on Saturday, April 8 during the Manitoba Trucking Association’s annual convention at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Winnipeg.

“Volvo Trucks Canada Inc. has been the proud sponsor of the National Driver of the Year awards for a number of years,” said Brent Weary, Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “It is a special honour to sponsor CTA’s National Driver
of the Year program, where Jules Balcaen has been selected as the best of the best.”

Balcaen has been a professional truck driver for 34 years, and has driven over 3 million kilometres with no preventable collisions. Beyond this, he has demonstrated that he is a true highway hero, coming to the aid of stranded and injured motorists on several occasions.

During a storm in 1979, Balcaen came across a young woman and her baby stranded in a car stuck in a ditch at the side of the road. Not only did he help the terrified young lady get her car out of the ditch, but he escorted her safely home.

On another occasion in 1994, Balcaen helped free a pregnant woman from her overturned van on a cold winter morning. He stayed and comforted her until help arrived.

“Mr. Balcaen is a true highway hero. His commitment to safety is reflected not only in his excellent driving record, but in his selfless actions assisting people in trouble at roadside. He is a shining example of professionalism,” said David Bradley, CEO of the Canadian Trucking Alliance.

This is not the first time Balcaen has been honoured for his achievements. He has twice been selected as Manitoba “Driver of the Month” (1981 and 1998) and has also earned the prestigious “Milk Grader’s Award”. Both of these awards are given to drivers who demonstrate a high degree of safety, respect for property, timeliness, maintain a clean and professional looking truck (very important for a transporter of milk), are reliable and carry out excellent customer relations.

“Jules is a truly professional driver. He is always conscious of our customers’ needs, and represents the best a driver can be. It’s a pleasure to have him working for us,” said Seaton Coleman of Bulk Milk Haulers Ltd.

In provincial truck driving championships, Balcaen has earned 1st place nine times and has been selected as grand champion three times. He has also competed in national competitions and has earned a 1st place.

The winner is selected by a panel of judges from the Canada Safety Council, Transport Canada, the Traffic Injury Foundation and the Canadian Trucking Alliance. Entries are received from the seven provincial associations who nominate their current provincial driver of the year. It is from these entries that the selection panel chooses a national winner.

The award has two objectives: First, to recognize and commend an individual who conducts his/herself as an exemplary professional truck driver. And two, to raise awareness of the many outstanding professional Canadian truck drivers with whom the community shares the road.

Balcaen receives a $1,000 cash prize, a trip for two to a Canadian destination of his choice and a personal trophy.

This year's driver of the year lives in La Broquerie, Manitoba and is married to Louise. The couple has three children: Francois, 26; Patrick, 24; and Domonic, 22. He has been an employee of Bulk Milk Haulers Ltd. for 30 years.

Media Contacts:

Rebecka Torn
rebecka.torn@ontruck.org
416-249-7401, Ext. 224

Stephen Anderson
stephen.anderson@ontruck.org
416-249-7401, Ext. 245