AIA Canada Federal Lobby Event Welcomes Key Political Leaders
October 28th, 2011, Ottawa, ON – AIA Canada welcomed industry leaders from across Canada on Wednesday, October 26th for their Federal Lobby Day on Parliament Hill. The objective of the day’s events was to discuss with Members of Parliament the need to provide consumers with incentives to have their vehicles inspected in order to encourage more vehicle maintenance. The AIA delegation, led by Mauro Cifelli, AIA’s Chairman of the Board, had a total of 12 meetings scheduled throughout the day with Ministers, Members of Parliament as well as Ministers’ chiefs of staff and policy advisors. An additional number of meetings were scheduled on the previous and following day. A cocktail reception was held on Wednesday evening in order to provide an informal opportunity for industry leaders to network and discuss with Members of Parliament in a social setting.
The Association – through market research, lobbying events and their consumer education program Be Car Care Aware – consistently conveys the message that everyone can win through preventative maintenance. “When a vehicle is repaired to the vehicle manufacturers’ specifications through regular maintenance, the consumer ends up with a safer and more reliable vehicle that is far more environmentally friendly and much more fuel efficient, thereby saving Canadian vehicle owners money,” indicates AIA President Marc Brazeau. “Regular vehicle maintenance decreases the chances of mechanical breakdown; reduces the potential for expensive repairs; extends the vehicle’s life; and increases the resale value while enhancing overall vehicle performance. But it all starts with a vehicle inspection to empower consumers with factual information so that they can make responsible choices and informed decisions regarding the safety and efficiency of their vehicle.”
(From left to right) John MacDonald, incoming Chairman of the AIA Board of Directors, Andrew Davies, member of AIA Board of Directors, Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, Mauro Cifelli, Chairman of the AIA Board of Directors, Marc Brazeau, President of AIA Canada.To view this photo in high resolution, click here.
Teams were comprised of small groups of industry leaders, who met with Members of Parliament from all political parties. AIA Director of Public Affairs Joel Bernard also took the opportunity to bring some of the participants to Question Period in the afternoon. The cocktail reception, held at the Parliament Pub from 5 pm to 7 pm, welcomed over 50 political figures, including Nycole Turmel, leader of opposition, Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour.
“This event was a tremendous success. Not only were we able to meet with so many Members of Parliament during the past three (3) days, but we were also able to welcome them following the meetings in an informal setting,” notes Joel Bernard, Director of Public Affairs. “This really secures AIA Canada as an influential voice and valuable resource to Members of Parliament.”
About AIA Canada The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) is a national trade association representing the automotive aftermarket industry in Canada. The aftermarket is an $18.7 billion industry that employs more than 420,200 people. The industry is composed of companies that manufacture, distribute and install automotive replacement parts, accessories, tools, and equipment. AIA represents manufacturers, re-builders, manufacturers agents, warehouse distributors, national distributors, buying groups, wholesalers, machine shops, retailers, and through its councils, the interests of collision repair shops and automotive service and repair outlets. AIA’s mandate is to promote, educate and represent members in all areas that impact the growth and prosperity of the industry. Visit us on the web at www.aiacanada.com.
Contact: Patty Kettles Manager, Marketing & Communications Automotive Industries Association of Canada 1272 Wellington Street West Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A7 1-800-808-2920 ext. 221 Patty.kettles@aiacanada.com
