Who We Are

The Canadian Utility Fleet Council (CUFC) is a national organization dedicated to supporting vehicle and equipment fleets operating within Canada’s utility sector.

Through collaboration, knowledge sharing, training initiatives and industry engagement, the Council helps advance safety, performance and professional development across the utility fleet community.

The CUFC is also responsible for organizing the annual Canadian Utility Fleet Forum (CUFF), Canada’s premier event for utility fleet professionals.

Our Purpose

The purpose of the Canadian Utility Fleet Council is to further the interests of vehicle and equipment fleets in Canada’s utility sector by:

  • Coordinating the annual Canadian Utility Fleet Forum for the exchange of ideas and industry concerns.

  • Monitoring issues affecting the utility fleet industry and representing member interests where appropriate.

  • Promoting standards for vehicle and equipment design and safety.

  • Promoting standards for technician training and professional development.

  • Supporting initiatives that further the interests of Canada’s utility fleet sector.

Our History

The Canadian Utility Fleet Council traces its origin to a meeting in Calgary in 1991.

Four industry representatives attended this inaugural discussion:

  • John Harvey (Manitoba Hydro)

  • John Kwan (City of Calgary)

  • Ghislain Courcy (Hydro-Quebec)

  • Bob Borer (Ontario Hydro)

Their objective was to discuss common fleet manufacturing and maintenance challenges affecting utility organizations across Canada. That meeting ultimately led to the creation of what is known today as the Canadian Utility Fleet Council.

The following gathering took place in Vancouver in 1992 in conjunction with the Canadian Electrical Association.

Originally focused on electrical utilities, the organization officially expanded in 1997 to include representatives from the natural gas and telecommunications sectors.

In 2006, then-President Ken Thomas formalized the organization under the name Canadian Utility Fleet Council (CUFC). Today, the annual event continues under the name Canadian Utility Fleet Forum (CUFF).

Past Presidents

    1. John Harvey (1991-1998) - Manitoba Hydro

    2. Frank Reily (1999-2002) - Saskatchewan Power

    3. Jack Abraham & John Noble (2003-2004) - Nova Scotia Power & Hamilton Hydro

    4. Ken Thomas (2005-2007) - Manitoba Hydro

    5. Jack Abraham (2008-2009) - Nova Scotia Power

    6. Doug Reilly (2009-2010) - Hydro One

    7. Dave Turriff (2011-2012) - Hydro Quebec

    8. Trevor Philpot (2013-2014) - Newfoundland Power

    9. Peter Michaud (2014-2019) - NB Power

    10. Chris Walsh (2019-2024) - Hydro One

    11. Jesse Debnam (2024-2025) - AltaLink

    12. Mark Wagner (2025-Present) - SaskPower

Doug Reilly Award

Recipients