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IEEE VTS Industry Engagement Webinar
Topic: Canada's accomplishments and Plans in CAVs
Speaker: Barrie Kirk
Hosted by: Alvin Chin
Wednesday 18 February 2026
6 PM CDT (UTC-5)
Abstract: The presentation will comprise three modules. First, Canadian activities in CAV innovation, including research, development and pilots of CAV technologies. Second, the status of Canada's activities to prepare for the arrival of CAVs on our roads, including planning and regulatory activities in all levels of government, including activities by Canadian entities and international companies active in Canada. Third, the presentation will describe the ongoing activities in Canada to plan and implement a project that will see an autonomous tractor trailer travel from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Vancouver, British Columbia -- a distance of 3,750 miles
Short Bio: Barrie Kirk, P.Eng. is the President of the Canadian Automated Vehicle Initiative (CAVI), a national association of stakeholders in the Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) ecosystem. CAVI is the leading voice for the Canadian CAV ecosystem and its members are from government, industry, academia, and other associations. Barrie leads the Trans-Canada Automated Truck Demonstration Project. He has worked in the technology industries in Canada, the U.K., and the U.S., including senior positions in Ottawa-area companies. He received a B.Sc. (Honours) in Electrical Engineering from Coventry University, U.K. and is a Professional Engineer.