Let’s Go Together

In this episode of Let’s Go Together, Julia is joined by Stéphane Sirois, Executive Director of Feed New Brunswick, to explore how food banks are changing—and why more working families and seniors now rely on them just to get by.

From skyrocketing food and housing costs to the quiet role of pride and stigma—especially among older adults—Stéphane explains what he’s seeing on the front lines across New Brunswick. He breaks down the 120% surge in food bank visits, the shift from “emergency safety net” to “essential service,” and the growing strain on volunteers, infrastructure, and funding.

You’ll also hear how local partnerships (including CAA Atlantic’s donation of a fully electric food delivery van), government support, and creative solutions like mobile food banks and local farm partnerships are helping communities respond—while still keeping the long‑term goal in sight: fewer people needing food banks at all.

Whether you’ve used a food bank, donated to one, or are simply trying to understand food insecurity in your community, this episode offers a clear, grounded look at what’s happening and what we can all do to help.

We cover food security and the future of food banks from the front lines to long‑term solutions:  

• Who Uses Food Banks Now: Working families, seniors, newcomers and kids  
• The Rising Cost of Living: Housing, wages, and why work no longer guarantees food  
• Stigma & Pride: Why many people wait too long to ask for help  
• Government Support & Data: Using real numbers to unlock funding  
• Volunteers, Burnout & Staffing: Why “just volunteers” isn’t sustainable anymore  
• Mobile Food Banks & Rural Access: Reaching communities without local services  
• Local Food & Farmers: Buying close to home and reducing waste  
• Corporate Partnerships: How CAA Atlantic’s electric van and payroll giving help  

Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome to Let’s Go Together & today’s focus on food security 
00:16 – Introducing guest Stéphane Sirois and Feed New Brunswick 
02:10 – From regional depot to provincial distribution network 
02:55 – Why CAA Atlantic chose local food security as a priority cause 
03:29 – What food insecurity looks like day to day in New Brunswick 
03:57 – The new face of food bank users: working families and retirees 
05:03 – Pride, stigma, and seniors who wait too long to seek help 
06:45 – Four years of rising demand and post‑COVID cost pressures 
07:30 – Food banks as a “temporary solution” that never went away 
08:03 – How the housing crisis drives people to food banks 
08:54 – 120% increase in visits and a budget jump from $350K to $6M 
09:51 – Are governments listening? Turning data into support 
10:12 – Using Link2Feed data to secure $9M in provincial funding 
11:09 – Beyond food: infrastructure, burnout, and the volunteer crisis 
12:53 – Why it’s hard to fund staff but easy to fund “stuff” 
13:12 – Corporate volunteer days and the limits of charity alone 
13:55 – Feed New Brunswick’s three‑level strategy to fight food insecurity 
14:58 – Why “growth” is bad news in the food bank sector 
15:07 – Children, newcomers, and the impact of low wages 
15:56 – Minimum wage vs. living wage in New Brunswick 
16:49 – When working or retired no longer guarantees enough to eat 
16:54 – What people actually ask for: top food items in demand 
17:22 – Cereal, peanut butter, and high‑cost proteins 
18:22 – Donations, purchasing, and where dollars go the furthest 
18:35 – Food recovery partnerships with major grocery retailers 
19:44 – Sorting, spoilage, and how food banks fight food waste 
20:15 – Overripe bananas, banana bread, and creative kitchen solutions 
21:12 – Why bananas are both affordable and risky for food banks 
21:57 – Do food bank visits still peak at the holidays? 
22:48 – Steady demand, seasonal donations, and tough winter months 
23:26 – Break: How CAA Atlantic supports safer, easier everyday journeys 
24:32 – How one surprise phone call from CAA Atlantic changed everything 
24:59 – Gifting a fully electric Ford Transit food delivery van 
25:23 – Why an electric van fits CAA Atlantic’s mission and climate goals 
26:12 – Winter tires, chargers, and co‑branding the new vehicle 
26:45 – How the van is used every day and what it means on the ground 
27:02 – The Feed NB 50/50 draw: “the gift that keeps the lights on” 
28:09 – Life‑changing jackpots and sustainable operations funding 
30:05 – How New Brunswickers can buy tickets and support Feed NB 
30:46 – Donating cereal, buying tickets, and growing community support 
31:20 – Food banks vs. food distribution centres: what’s the difference? 
32:10 – How a provincial hub supports 69 member agencies 
33:04 – Urban vs. rural food banks and who relies most on distribution 
33:26 – Centralized purchasing, wholesale pricing, and advocacy power 
33:58 – Looking ahead: mobile food banks and “food deserts” 
34:43 – Combining boards and sharing services to cut overhead 
35:49 – Collaborating across the Atlantic provinces 
36:15 – Moncton as a strategic hub for Food Banks Canada 
35:56 – Working with local farmers and buying in advance 
36:38 – Purchase guarantees and direct‑to‑food‑bank deliveries 
37:40 – “Dirty carrots,” fresh potatoes, and learning to cook from scratch 
38:39 – What Stéphane wants listeners to take away: food is everyone’s responsibility 
38:47 – How individuals, companies, and governments can each do their part 
38:53 – Volunteering, food drives, and neighbours helping neighbours 
39:05 – Former clients returning as volunteers and community builders 
39:54 – Food banks as “informal social workers” and community hubs 
41:04 – Rapid‑fire: the biggest misconception about food banks 
41:43 – What Stéphane would change first: wages and social programs 
42:39 – Building a more resilient, local food system in Atlantic Canada 
42:46 – Rapid‑fire: dream cars, Toyotas, and realistic vs. “Ferrari” dreams 
43:48 – Favourite CAA benefit and the peace of mind of membership 
44:46 – Final thoughts: we want a world where food banks aren’t needed 
45:20 – If you need help, go—there is no shame in asking 

CONNECT WITH FEED NEW BRUNSWICK & LOCAL FOOD SECURITY

• Feed New Brunswick 50/50 Draw & Programs: feednb.ca (weekly Gold Rush‑style draw supporting food purchases and operations)  
• Learn more about food banks and food security in your area via provincial food bank networks (e.g., Feed Nova Scotia, PEI Food Banks, Food Banks Canada).  

CONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC:

Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/ 
Instagram: @caaatlantic 
Facebook: /caaatlantic 
LinkedIn: /caa-atlantic 

IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE? 

We’d love to hear from you.  
Send us your ideas at [email protected]

In this episode of Let’s Go Together, we’re joined by David Trueman, chair of the Halifax Cycling Coalition, to talk about safer streets, the growth of cycling and micromobility, and what it really means to “share the road.”

From cargo bikes and e-bikes to protected bike lanes and rural shoulders, David explains how better infrastructure, smarter laws, and small culture shifts can make cycling safer and more appealing—for everyone from weekend riders to parents biking kids to daycare. He also shares insights on Halifax’s best routes, the Cycling Guide app, and a little-known CAA benefit for cyclists.

Whether you’re a driver trying to understand cyclists, a parent curious about cargo bikes, or someone who’d like to bike more but doesn’t feel safe yet, this episode offers grounded, local insight into building safer streets and happier riders.

We cover cycling advocacy, cargo bikes, e-bikes and micromobility, Halifax’s cycling infrastructure, vulnerable road users, the Traffic Safety Act, lower-stress route planning, recreational routes in HRM, and CAA’s Bike Assist benefit.

Chapter Timestamps

00:00 – “It’s just physics that higher weight vehicles are more dangerous.”
00:06 – Julia introduces the episode: cycling, micromobility, and safer streets in Halifax
01:41 – Meet David Trueman and his path from tweeting about cycling to advocacy
02:23 – Founding Cycle Waterloo Region and moving back to Halifax Cycling Coalition
03:44 – David’s role at Halifax Cycling Coalition
04:06 – David’s cycling journey, including Ottawa–Halifax by bike
05:10 – Seeing cycling from the perspective of people who feel unsafe
05:49 – Biking his grandson to daycare on an e-cargo bike
06:50 – The rise of cargo bikes and “kids as cargo”
07:16 – Kidical Mass and family-focused rides
08:24 – Fuel prices, transit, and mode shift
09:55 – Why transportation choice matters
10:45 – Measuring Halifax’s cycling boom and annual growth
11:26 – How new bike lanes boost usage across networks
11:39 – Connected networks and where Halifax is lagging
12:04 – Halifax’s national ranking and lessons from other cities
12:48 – E-bikes and making cycling more accessible
13:19 – Micromobility and policy challenges
15:07 – Why protected, connected networks matter
15:22 – Sidewalk riders and the hierarchy of vulnerability
16:09 – Respect between drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians
16:44 – Weight, physics, and responsibility
17:39 – SUVs, trucks, sightlines, and heavier vehicles
18:42 – Street design and safety for everyone
20:01 – Speed and lane width
20:45 – Door zones and safe cycling practices
21:55 – CAA’s Bike Assist benefit
22:31 – Everyday Membership for people without cars
24:13 – David’s wish list: a connected bike network in HRM
24:36 – Why one unsafe gap can make a trip a “no go”
25:01 – Extending safe cycling into suburban and rural HRM
26:15 – Recreation vs. transportation
26:40 – “Recreational cycling is a gateway drug” to commuting
27:13 – Fitness, transportation, and saving money
27:43 – Why cycling works well into older age
28:44 – The Traffic Safety Act and vulnerable road users
29:06 – Higher fines and judicial tools for collisions
29:50 – Law, enforcement, and public perception
30:09 – Introducing the Cycling Guide app
31:02 – Colour-coded routes and lower-stress navigation
31:36 – Finding quieter, friendlier routes
32:07 – Cycling Guide’s expansion into Canadian cities
32:44 – The struggle to get good-news cycling stories covered
34:12 – Point Pleasant Park and beginner-friendly riding
34:26 – Chain of Lakes Trail, BLT, and St. Margaret’s Bay Trail
35:23 – Salt Marsh Trail
36:04 – Shubie Park
36:42 – Cogswell Interchange and new connections
37:38 – Brunswick Street protected lane
38:10 – Progress and the need for complete networks
38:10 – David’s takeaway: hierarchy, respect, and lost momentum
38:58 – Aggressive driving and 2025 injury collision statistics
39:26 – Aggressive vs. distracted driving
40:39 – Rapid-fire cycling questions
41:44 – What people get wrong about cyclists
42:35 – The one habit David wishes every driver would adopt: ignore the phone
43:23 – Why distracted driving is terrifying for cyclists
43:54 – David’s favourite CAA benefit
44:07 – What “share the road” really means
44:12 – Cycling Guide expanding province-wide across Nova Scotia
44:46 – Other cycling apps and resources
45:21 – Closing thoughts and thanks

Resources Mentioned:

• Halifax Cycling Coalition: https://cyclehalifax.ca
• Cycling Guide App: https://cyclingguide.org
• Kidical Mass Halifax: https://www.kidicalmasshfx.ca
• CAA Atlantic Bike Assist & Everyday Membership: https://atlantic.caa.ca

CONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC

Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/
Instagram: @caaatlantic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAAAtlantic
LinkedIn: CAA Atlantic

IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE?

Send us your ideas at [email protected]!

In this episode of Let’s Go Together, we’re joined by Katherine Hutka from the IWK’s Child Safety Link and president of the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada to make car-seat safety feel a little less overwhelming.

From the first drive home with a newborn to rear-facing seats, five-point harnesses, boosters and the eventual move to an adult seat belt, Katherine explains what parents and caregivers need to know at every stage. She also addresses common mistakes involving installation angles, top tethers, winter coats and moving children into the front seat too soon.

Whether you’re preparing for your baby’s first journey, wondering whether your child is ready for a booster, or trying to keep up with changing guidance, this episode offers practical, trusted advice to help protect your most important passengers on every ride.

We cover car seat safety from the first ride home to the day your child graduates out of a booster:

• Newborn Stage: Leaving the Hospital Safely
• Forward-Facing Seats & Top Tether
• Booster Seats & Maturity
• Front Seat Safety
• Winter Coats & Car Seats
• Trusted Resources & Getting Help

Chapters: 

00:00 – Why child passenger safety feels so overwhelming
02:00 – Introducing guest expert Katherine Hootka
04:30 – Newborns, leaving the hospital, and car seat angle basics
07:25 – Harness tightness, chest clips, and infant inserts
11:00 – Moving from bucket seat to rear-facing convertible
13:20 – Why rear-facing longer is so much safer
17:00 – Forward-facing, 5-point harness, and top tether use
18:30 – When (and when NOT) to move to a booster seat
23:10 – High-back vs. backless boosters
24:30 – The 5-step test to get out of a booster
28:15 – When can kids safely sit in the front seat?
31:10 – Winter coats, snowsuits, and car seat safety
34:00 – Where to find local help & trusted resources
37:20 – What parents are getting right more than they realize
40:45 – What gives Katherine the most hope
43:50 – Final thoughts: never skipping the safety

• Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada: Caregiver resources, positions, Find‑a‑Tech map. [cpsac.org] 
• Child Safety Link: Stage‑by‑stage guides, booster & seat belt fit, winter wear tips, Atlantic travel notes. [childsafetylink.ca] 
• Vancouver Island Car Seat Techs: Practical tip sheets, top‑tether troubleshooting, travel with car seats. [vicarseattechs.com] 
• Recalls: Check CPSAC’s quick‑reference recall list and confirm with Transport Canada/manufacturers. [cpsac.org] 

CONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC:
Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/
Instagram:   / caaatlantic 
Facebook:   / caaatlantic 
LinkedIn:   / caa-atlantic 

ABOUT THE HOST Julia Kent is the director of advocacy and community relations for CAA Atlantic. With a background in journalism, she has a knack for asking bold questions. Her clear, conversational style brings curiosity and energy to every episode. 

IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE? We’d love to hear from you. 
Send us your ideas at [email protected]

Season 2 is coming 🔥

New production.
New voices.
New conversations.

🎙️ @podstarter
👀 Expert guests dropping soon

#LetsGoTogether #Season2 #PodcastLaunch #ComingSoon

CAA Atlantic’s Let’s Go Together podcast is back for season 2 – dropping soon!

CONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC:
Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/
Instagram:   / caaatlantic
Facebook:   / caaatlantic
LinkedIn:   / caa-atlantic

ABOUT THE HOST  
Julia Kent is the director of advocacy and community relations for CAA Atlantic. With a background in journalism, she has a knack for asking bold questions. Her clear, conversational style brings curiosity and energy to every episode.  

IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE?  
We’d love to hear from you. Send us your ideas at [email protected]

In this episode of Let’s Go Together, we’re joined by Kurt Sampson, CAA’s EV guru, to cut through the headlines and misinformation around EVs - and talk honestly about what’s working, what isn’t, and what comes next. 

With rebates re-introduced, new EVs entering the market, and big questions about affordability, charging and the power grid, this conversation focuses on what Atlantic Canadians need to know before making the switch. 

Whether you’re EV‑curious, skeptical, or already driving electric, this episode offers practical, fact‑based insight to help you make informed decisions. 

EPISODE LINKS: PlugShare https://www.plugshare.com/

Electric Vehicle Association of Atlantic Canada (EVAAC) https://www.evaac.ca/

Next Ride https://nextridens.com

CONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC: 

Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/

Instagram:   / caaatlantic  F

acebook:   / caaatlantic  

LinkedIn:   / caa-atlantic  

LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: YouTube:    • Let's Go Together Podcast  

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ttVKZz...

ABOUT THE HOST Julia Kent is the director of advocacy and community relations for CAA Atlantic. With a background in journalism, she has a knack for asking bold questions. Her clear, conversational style brings curiosity and energy to every episode. 

IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE? We’d love to hear from you. 

Send us your ideas at [email protected]

In this episode of the Let’s Go Together podcast, host Julia Kent sits down with Trudy‑Ann Ritter, Manager of Travel Insurance & Learning Development at CAA Atlantic, to unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of travel planning: travel insurance.

Many Atlantic Canadians don’t realize that even a quick trip across a provincial border - or a weekend away within Canada - can leave you vulnerable to major costs without the right coverage. Together, we break down what travel insurance actually covers, how advisory levels impact your protection, why credit card coverage may not be enough, and real‑world examples of how quickly medical bills can climb when you’re far from home.

Whether you’re planning a sunny escape, a cross‑Canada road trip, or welcoming visitors from abroad, this episode gives you the essentials to travel smarter and safer.

EPISODE LINKS

CAA Travel Insurance https://atlantic.caa.ca/insurance/travel-insurance 

Travel Advisories, Government of Canada https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

CAA Gift Cards https://caagiftcards.com/

CAA Dollars https://atlantic.caa.ca/membership/caa-dollars

CONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC
 Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caaatlantic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAAAtlantic/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/caa-atlantic/

LISTEN/SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST
 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQMLH9QVnNUsv-wOwi56_uFndmb4UPbAG
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/lets-go-together/id1829536961
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ttVKZzADVL9lQuoiHqsoE

ABOUT THE HOST
 Julia Kent is the director of advocacy and community relations for CAA Atlantic. With a background in journalism, she has a knack for asking bold questions. Her clear, conversational style brings curiosity and energy to every episode.

IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE?
 We’d love to hear from you. Send us your ideas at [email protected]

In this episode of the Let’s Go Together podcast, Danny Sullivan takes us behind the scenes of
 what really happens from the moment you call CAA to the arrival of help. As we explore the
 step-by-step process of roadside rescue, Danny shares what it’s like to work on the shoulder of
 busy highways, the critical importance of SDMO (Slow Down, Move Over) laws, and the
 challenges and rewards of keeping drivers safe in high-risk situations.

Cost of poor roads study: https://www.caa.ca/news/poor-roads-cost-canadians-3-billion-
 annually-caa-study/
 Otto, CAA’s new tire service that comes to you: https://www.ottomobile.ca/

CONNECT WITH CAA ATLANTIC:
 Website: https://atlantic.caa.ca/
 Instagram: Instagram
 Facebook: (1) Facebook
 LinkedIn: / caa-atlantic

ABOUT THE HOST
 Julia Kent is the director of advocacy and community relations for CAA Atlantic. With a
 background in journalism, she has a knack for asking bold questions. Her clear, conversational
 style brings curiosity and energy to every episode.

IDEA FOR A FUTURE EPISODE?
 We’d love to hear from you. Send us your ideas at [email protected]

In this episode of the Let’s Go Together podcast, we sit down with Karen Stanley, vice president of marketing and member experience at CAA Atlantic, to dive into what truly defines CAA membership. Karen shares insights on how CAA delivers exceptional member value while staying rooted in the company’s core values. 

From everyday benefits to the principles that guide every decision, this conversation explores why value and values go hand in hand - and how they shape the experience for members and employees alike. 

In this episode of the Let’s Go Together podcast by CAA Atlantic, we sit down with Dawn Dalley, President & CEO of CAA Atlantic, to explore what it means to lead with intention. Dawn shares her perspective on motivating teams, creating a culture where people love to come to work, and where empathy drives performance.

Welcome to the Let’s Go Together Podcast by CAA Atlantic! 

In episode 3, we welcome Martyn Sibbald, chief strategy & innovation officer at CAA Atlantic, to explore the story behind Otto, CAA’s new mobile tire service.