AS THE WINTER SEASON IS UPON US, we have the beauty of our vast Canadian landscapes to admire and enjoy. This past summer, however, was another summer that experienced record-setting temperatures. In fact, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the rise in global temperatures continues its exponential upward track which directly affects the salinity of Earth’s oceanic bodies of water. The salinity of our oceans is critical to the cooling of the Earth because as ocean currents move salt water to the north and south poles, the cold polar temperatures cause the salt to dissociate and sink to lower depths which then drives the colder water back to the mid-latitudes. This circulation is known as the Thermohaline circulation and is core to the cooling of our Earth. Therefore, as the oceans’ salinity declines due to increasing fresh water and rising global temperatures, the Thermohaline circulation weakens and atmospheric pressures change, all of which will drive our planet’s warming even further. This extreme heating during the summer months causes a direct and detrimental impact to our vehicles’ batteries which degrade their starting ability and capacity in the winter. At CAA, this is the most frequent rescue type that we experience during the winter and we have seen many Members become stranded due to the degraded nature of their vehicles’ batteries. Before any winter, we highly recommend having vehicle batteries tested to ensure they are able to support you through Canada’s harsh winters.

CAA will do everything to reach our Members as quickly as possible, especially during the extreme cold winters. However, there will be times when extreme weather makes roads impassable. During those times, CAA’s arrival times will be extended. It is for this reason that we recommend that every Member also carry an emergency kit in their vehicle that consists of tools for medical first aid, signalling, food and hydration, and warmth. CAA’s systems will not lose sight of any Member; however, it is important for all of us to plan for the worst during Canada’s winters which are often unpredictable and extreme in nature.

I would like to share a friendly reminder to all Members that their CAA Membership also includes Maple health services. This benefit provides every Member with direct access to Canadian-licensed physicians. Winters often see more illnesses take hold within a family, and in a time when our primary health-care system is strained, we wanted to provide our Members with peace of mind to take care of themselves and their family. On behalf of every caring CAA Associate, we wish you a safe, enjoyable, and memorable winter. Thank you for being an important part of CAA.

With every good blessing,

Jay Woo

President & CEO

CAA Club Group of Companies