As the tariff war heats up, Atlantic Canadian consumers and B2B buyers are looking for local alternatives to international suppliers. Elbows up!

At CAA Atlantic, helping drivers isn’t just about changing tires or jump-starting dead batteries. It’s about showing up, every day, for Atlantic Canada. That means being there in a snowstorm on a back road in Guysborough. It means helping to keep food banks stocked in Moncton. And it means advocating for safety measures that protect everyone who works at the roadside.

“We’ve always seen ourselves as part of the communities we serve,” says Julia Kent, Director of Advocacy & Community Relations at CAA Atlantic. “Our members count on us to get them where they need to go. But more than that, they count on us to stand up for what matters here.”

That commitment runs deep. For more than 75 years, CAA Atlantic has built trust by delivering roadside assistance, travel planning, insurance and savings to members across the region. It represents the vast majority of towing in Nova Scotia, operates seven branches across Atlantic Canada and continues to earn top marks nationally, ranked among Canada’s most trusted brands by the Gustavson Brand Trust Index for seven years running.

Still, Kent says, the organization is far from resting on its laurels. In recent years, CAA Atlantic has expanded its advocacy efforts and deepened its community presence. In 2023 alone, it made significant donations to local food banks and launched major campaigns to increase roadside safety for tow operators—including calls to allow tow trucks to use dual flashing lights for better visibility.

“We’ve contributed millions in savings back to Atlantic Canadians through our member rewards and partner programs,” Kent says. “But we also want to make sure we’re lifting up our communities. Whether it’s through advocacy or action, we’re committed to being part of the solution.”
That philosophy shows up in everything from hands-on support to legislative advocacy. “We’ve been proud to push for changes that save lives,” Kent says. “And we’re equally proud to support local organizations that make a difference every day—like our regional food banks, which play a vital role in keeping Atlantic Canadian families fed.”

CAA Atlantic also recognizes its drivers as first responders. That’s why it supports national Slow Down Move Over Day, held annually, to educate motorists on giving space to emergency and roadside vehicles. Across North America, nearly 100 tow truck drivers are killed annually after being struck on the job. Advocacy for improved lighting and increased public awareness is part of a broader strategy to keep people safe.

Internally, CAA Atlantic has also invested in people—with employee scholarships, wellness initiatives, and retention programs that have helped make its service network one of the most resilient in the country. “We believe our people are our greatest strength,” Kent says. “That’s how we can keep delivering value to our members year after year.”

Whether it’s fighting for safer roads, helping a member in distress, or filling a neighbour’s fridge, CAA Atlantic continues to show what it means to be Atlantic Canada strong.

“Our brand isn’t just about trust.” Kent says. “It’s about value. And in this region, there’s huge value in advocacy and community.”

From savings to safety, CAA Atlantic is proving that integrity and impact go hand-in-hand when it comes to building resilient, thriving communities.