Missing accountant overshadows promising start for OBAC

CALGARY (Oct. 18, 2002) — The Owner-Operator’s Business Association of Canada said it is unable to locate Tony Leckie, the chartered accountant managing the financial affairs of the fledgling organization.

OBAC president Dave Marson yesterday responded to a media report that Leckie had absconded with nearly $80,000 of the group’s money, saying there was no indication that foul play was involved, but that he has been unable to contact Leckie. He said a police report had been filed.

“I have no doubt we can recover from this, move forward, and make this thing bloody well work,” he told highwaySTAR magazine.

The report overshadowed the hiring of Leo Van Tuyl as the group’s interim executive director. A former owner-operator and longtime industry advocate, Van Tuyl has been running a small software company in recent years, selling a business-management program specifically developed for owner-operators.

It also put a damper on a promising start for OBAC after its launch at the Truck World show in Toronto last month. The organization, operating with $250,000 in seed money from Industry Canada, outlined an agenda of advocacy and education. It charges $240 a year for membership.