Senior Representatives from AIA Canada’s member companies discuss the benefits of vehicle maintenance with Members of Provincial Parliament
March 9th, Ottawa – A number of senior industry representatives from the Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada’s member companies, along with Executive staff from AIA Canada gathered at Queen’s Park on March 5th and 6th to meet with a total of 37 Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. The meetings were aimed at discussing the possibilities of ongoing partnership between AIA’s province wide member network and the Ontario government.
A highly successful Government Reception was also held during the evening of March 5th, with a total of 48 MPPs and a grand total of 120 individuals in attendance, including Minister of Labour Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Economic Development and Innovation Brad Duguid and Minister of Transportation Bob Chiarelli.
AIA representatives with Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Innovation
(From left to right) Jason Kerr, Manager of Policy & Communications at AIA Canada, Dean Clarke, Niall Davidson, Linda Donnini, Brad Duguid, Marc Brazeau, President of AIA Canada and John Burns
During the meetings at Queen’s Park, AIA Members discussed the economic, safety and environmental benefits that the automotive aftermarket brings to Ontarians. The Be Car Care Aware program, an industry consumer-education program that focuses on raising awareness on vehicle maintenance by providing tips that directly benefit Canadian motorists, was also raised in conversations with MPPs.
AIA members were very well received and MPPs showed great interest in receiving more information on members and their ridings as well as willingness for ongoing engagement and dialogue with AIA and its members. « AIA has a proven track record in successful partnerships with governments, both federally and provincially, » said AIA Canada President Marc Brazeau. « From involvement in recycling and environmental stewardship programs to support for apprenticeship training in Ontario, AIA Canada is not a stranger to successful partnerships with government. »
« AIA has provided members with an opportunity to be face-to-face with government officials in order for us to tell our story about the aftermarket in Canada and to bring awareness on important issues that affect the aftermarket and Canadian drivers everywhere. All in all, it was a very worthwhile day, » stated AIA Member Randy Moore, President and CEO of Mister Transmission.
A Federal Lobbying Event will be taking place on May 15th, 2012 to further increase awareness of the automotive aftermarket industry within the Government and to continue dialogue with Ministers and MPs that began last fall during a similar event on Parliament Hill. AIA Canada also plans to continue encouraging the Federal Government to implement a Vehicle Inspection Incentive Plan for Canadian vehicle owners. If AIA members are interested in taking part in meetings with their MPs, they are encouraged to contact Jason Kerr, AIA’s Manager of Policy & Communications at Jason.Kerr@aiacanada.com.
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 a $18.49 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: Kina Leclair Senior Communications Coordinator Automotive Industries Association of Canada 1272 Wellington Street West Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A7 1-800-808-2920 ext. 233 Kina.Leclair@aiacanada.com
