Canadian Oilseed Processors Association welcomes Steve Pratte as director of policy

Sep 03, 2026

The Canadian Oilseed Processors Association (COPA) is pleased to announce that Steve Pratte will join the organization as director of policy, effective September 2, 2026.

“We are pleased to welcome Steve to COPA,” says Mark Walker, executive director of the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association. “Steve brings expertise in transportation policy and regulatory affairs, as well as significant experience in the Canadian grains sector. His work will strengthen COPA’s policy capacity and help advance the priorities of Canada’s oilseed processing industry.”

Pratte brings almost 20 years of experience in transportation and biofuels policy across both the public and private sectors. He has held positions with a Class 1 railway, a national grain industry association, as well as the government of Manitoba. Pratte was also the 50th president of the Canadian Transportation Research Forum, serving in that role from 2021 to 2023. Most recently, he has worked as a consultant focusing on transportation issues and regulatory affairs affecting the Canadian grains sector.

“Canada’s oilseed processing sector operates at the intersection of agriculture, food, biofuels and transportation policy,” says Pratte. “I’m pleased to be joining COPA and look forward to working with members and industry partners to support a competitive oilseed processing sector in Canada.”

Pratte holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology and a Master of Arts in Geography. He has also completed a professional program in supply chain and logistics management.

The Canadian Oilseed Processors Association is a federally incorporated non-profit industry association that works in partnership with the Canola Council of Canada to represent the interests of oilseed processors in Canada.

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