The CTRF 61st Annual Conference
"Mobilizing Our Future: Transport Innovations for Stronger Canada"
Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Sunday, May 24 - Wednesday, May 27 2026
Each year, CTRF brings together transportation researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from across Canada to reveal new research and share insights that will shape the future of transportation. This year CTRF heads East to the iconic shores of Halifax. Join us alongside academic and industry leaders as we discuss and guide the economic and competitive transformation of Canada’s transportation sector.
****************** Registration is now open! *************
Who Should Attend?
The CTRF Conference is designed for scholars and professionals working across Canada's transportation ecosystem, including:
- Transportation researchers and academics
- Government and policy professionals
- Industry and consulting practitioners
- Students and emerging professionals
Whether you are advancing research, shaping policy, or applying insights in practice, the CTRF Conference offers a national forum to connect and exchange ideas.
Why Attend? A Transportation Conference Like No Other
- Groundbreaking new Research Paper presentations and poster sessions
- Canada-wide expert keynote presentations and discussions
- Networking opportunities and social events
- Technical Tours
- Awards and Scholarships Luncheon
- And, the much-anticipated annual 'Bison Transport Debate'
The lively, Oxford-style 'Bison Debate' challenges leading voices in transportation to argue a timely, provocative issue facing the sector. In 2025, a Red-Dogs debate for students was added. Moderated and audience-driven, the popular sessions encourage sharp thinking, respectful challenge, and active participation based on a clear set of procedures. Explore the history and themes of past debates.
Program
All events will take place at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel unless otherwise indicated.
Sunday, May 24th:
- President's Reception, The Loose Canon Pub (6:00 - 8:00 pm), followed by CTRF Triviz Quiz at the pub!
Monday, May 25th:
- 8:00am - Welcoming remarks: Honourable Fred Tilley, Minister of Public Works - Government of Nova Scotia; and Andy Filmore, Mayor of Halifax, Halifax Regional Municipality.
- 8:30am - Plenary I - Mobilizing our future: Transport innovations for a stronger Canada: Dave Reage, Executive Director, Strategic Infrastructure & Transportation Planning, Halifax Regional Municipality; Dr. Mary Brooks, C.M., Professor Emerita; and Dr. Ahsan Habib, Professor, Dalhousie & Director of DalTRAC.
- 10:30am - Research Paper presentations - concurrent sessions
- 1:00pm - Plenary II - Presentation on CTRF Research Vision and Priorities for 2026/27: Dr. Trevor Hanson, CTRF Research Committee Chairs; Sarah Harlley, CPCS
- 1:30pm - Research Paper presentations - concurrent sessions
- 2:30pm - CTRF Research Committee Meetings
- 3:30pm - Research Paper presentations - concurrent sessions
- 6:00pm - Reception and Bison Transport Debate at the Paul O'Regan Hall, Halifax Central Library
Tuesday, May 26th:
- 7:30am - CTRF Annual General Meeting
- 8:30am - Plenary III - Ports and the Future of Canada's Supply Chain Resilience: David Thomas, Executive Director, The PIER; Levi Morrison, Director of Innovation, COVE; Michael Snow, Director of Supply Chain, Irving Shipbuilding; Thomas Puestow, Stakeholder Engagement Lead, National Research Council of Canada - Oceans Programs.
- Research Paper presentations - concurrent sessions
- 1:00pm - Search and Rescue Demonstration - provided by Canadian Coast Guard
- 1:30pm - Technical Tours - concurrent options to choose from including: Halifax Transit Ferry Tour; DalTRAC Living Lab; Irving Shipyard; Cogswell District; Spring Garden Road; Halifax Waterfront Tour.
- 3:30pm - Young Professionals Panel "The role of research in early stages of professional career": Alistair Bell, CPCS; Alexi Katsanis, PhD (Link NS); Sonya Sula (InterVISTAS); Md Asif Hasan Anik, PhD (Dalhousie); followed by Poster Session.
- 6:00pm - Annual Conference Dinner on the Harbour Queen Boat Cruise
Wednesday, May 27th:
- 8:30am - CTRF Technical Workshops led by CTRF Research Committees (open to everyone): #1 - The Future of Canadian Trucking - How to bring together industry needs, government policies and research (CTRF Trucking Committee); #2 Workshop for Canada's travel demand modellers (CTRF Urban and Rural Transportation Planning Committee); #3 Insights from the Previous ISCTSC Conference and Recent Syrveys/Tools (CTRF Data Committee)
- 10:15am - Research paper presentations - concurrent sessions
- 12:30pm - Awards lunch and closing remarks
- 2:00pm - Conference concludes
Additional agenda details will be available as the Conference date approaches.
Accomodation and Travel
- Venue and accommodation: The Conference will take place at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel, 1496 Hollis St, Halifax NS, B3J 3Z1 (map).
- Travel: Enjoy a 10% discount on Air Canada airfares using booking code V7HYHHW1
Register for Conference
All Conference attendees become part of the CTRF member community, with access to exclusive year-round insights and benefits.
- If you are already a CTRF member, please log-in to register at the discounted "Member Pricing" rates below. You will be asked to complete a Conference Registration Form after purchasing you conference registration.
- If you are not yet a member, a 2026 membership will be included as part of your registration. Select one of the "Non-Member Pricing" options below. Once your order is placed, you will be prompted to complete the Conference Registration Form.
- Guest companion tickets ($650) are available for purchase through the registration process as an add-on. A Companion ticket provides guest access to conference meals and evening events, but not to technical sessions.
Member Pricing and Registration
You must be a current year member to register for the conference at the member rate.
Non-member Pricing and Registration
You will become a 2026 CTRF Member upon conference registration. You will be asked to complete a registration form after purchasing a conference registration.
Members Get More!
Can't join us in Halifax this year? Join the Community! CTRF Membership provides exclusive access to CTRF research, relevant news and updates, and year-round connection with Canada's transportation leaders. Learn more and become a member here.
Conference Sponsors
CTRF is grateful to our 2026 Conference Sponsors! To learn about sponsorship opportunities please contact CTRF VP External Affairs, Don McKnight, on dmcknight@damfconsult.ca
