Advocacy in action: AIA Canada’s summer recap

This past summer, AIA Canada advanced its advocacy priorities with a focus on strengthening international collaboration, engaging policymakers, supporting members, and keeping the right to repair at the forefront of the national conversation. Our efforts were designed not only to build momentum on this critical issue but also to deliver long-term value for the auto care sector and Canadian drivers alike. 

Advancing global leadership 

We began the season on the international stage at Autopromotec in Italy, one of the world’s leading aftermarket trade shows. By engaging with partners from Australia, the European Union, the United States, South Africa, and others, we reinforced our role in the global right to repair movement. These partnerships allow us to monitor policy advancements abroad and apply key learnings here in Canada. In an increasingly interconnected industry, staying aligned with global best practices ensures our members remain competitive and our advocacy remains credible. 

Strengthening relationships with policymakers 

Domestically, our focus turned to building and reinforcing relationships with Canada’s policymakers. With over 100 new Members of Parliament (MPs) elected, this is a crucial period to ensure the right to repair is firmly understood and prioritized. Through shop visits and direct engagement across the country, we provided MPs with firsthand insight into the economic and consumer value of a strong, independent auto care sector. 

We also submitted a comparison analysis to the Manitoba government, using Quebec’s landmark legislation as a reference point. This analysis demonstrated practical pathways for how provinces can learn from one another while underscoring the benefits of consistent, well-designed repair rights legislation. 

Contributing to international reform 

Our advocacy extended globally with a submission to the Australian Treasury during its review of right to repair legislation. Australia’s framework is recognized internationally as a benchmark. By supporting the recommendations of our partners at the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), AIA Canada reinforced the importance of strong, enforceable standards worldwide. This work not only supports our colleagues abroad but also positions Canada to learn from their successes and avoid their challenges. 

Supporting Quebec’s implementation 

Closer to home, we played an active role in the implementation of Quebec’s new legislation, which comes into effect on October 5, 2025. Our Quebec consultant worked closely with the Consumer Protection Office to ensure that both businesses and consumers have the necessary information to benefit from the new law. This included supporting education and awareness efforts, highlighted in La Presse, which amplified the importance of the legislation and the role AIA Canada played in advancing it. 

Listening to members, shaping our agenda 

This summer, we launched a comprehensive member survey to gather input on advocacy priorities for the year ahead. Nearly 80 members responded, reaffirming that the right to repair remains the industry’s top concern while also highlighting pressing issues such as tariffs, electric vehicle transition, immigration, and the labour shortage. This direct feedback ensures that AIA Canada’s advocacy remains responsive, representative, and aligned with the challenges our members face daily. 

Keeping right to repair on the federal agenda 

Finally, we submitted our pre-budget consultation to the Government of Canada, emphasizing the urgent need for a national right to repair framework. While provincial progress has been encouraging, a patchwork of rules is not sustainable. A federal solution is essential to ensure consistency, fairness, and competitiveness across the country. This message will remain at the heart of our federal advocacy in the months ahead. 

Looking ahead: What is next  

The summer’s advocacy work reinforced the value of persistence, collaboration, and leadership. From global partnerships to national engagement, AIA Canada continues to ensure that the right to repair—and the broader interests of the auto care sector—are advanced with credibility and impact. 

As we enter the fall and prepare for key milestones, including Hill Day in February 2026, our commitment is clear: to champion a competitive, innovative, and consumer-focused auto care sector where independent businesses can thrive and Canadian drivers have real choice.