AIA Canada members return to Parliament Hill to advocate for the industry 

On February 5, members from across the country gathered on Parliament Hill for our annual Hill Day, engaging Members of Parliament (MPs), senators, and senior government officials to advance strong, practical Right to Repair solutions for Canada’s auto care sector. 

Following a pivotal year of progress in 2025, from provincial regulatory milestones to heightened national awareness—AIA Canada’s advocacy efforts are now focused on securing a national Right to Repair framework that works for independent repair businesses and Canadian drivers alike. 

What is Hill Day? 

Hill Day is AIA Canada’s flagship grassroots advocacy event, where members from across the country come together in Ottawa to directly engage policymakers on issues that matter most to the auto care sector. 

Participants meet one-on-one with MPs and staff, participate in roundtable discussions, and amplify their voices through media engagement—giving government decision-makers a first-hand look at the challenges and opportunities facing independent repairers today. 

Our ask is simple: support a clear and enforceable right to repair at the federal level that guarantees access to vehicle repair data, tools, and parts, enabling competition, choice, and fair prices for consumers and small businesses. 

AIA Canada’s presence on Parliament Hill is a critical part of our government relations and advocacy strategy, ensuring that policymakers hear directly from businesses on the front lines of Canada’s repair economy. As regulators and legislators shape the future of automotive repair access, we are there to: 

• Make the case for fair competition and consumer choice across Canada. 

• Support policies that strengthen small businesses in communities from Vancouver to Halifax. 

• Highlight the real economic impact of Right to Repair for local jobs and affordability for Canadians. 

• Push for federal legislation that complements provincial efforts, avoiding a patchwork of inconsistent rules. 

These conversations are more important now than ever. As decisions on broader digital access, trade, and economic policy unfold in 2026, the auto care sector needs certainty and fairness to innovate and grow. 

Unlocking access 

On this Hill Day, MNP released a report, Unlocking access: Why Right to Repair matters for every vehicle owner, showing that without federal action, affordability, consumer choice, and jobs across the auto care sector are at risk. This report includes in-depth analysis of economic insights and case studies, showcasing the need for federal legislation. Insights include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Drivers save considerably when services are performed at independent shops. Up to 30 per cent or $500 on common repairs and up to 80 per cent for labour-heavy or complex repairs (when aftermarket parts are used). 

• Access to vehicle repair data significantly impacts independent shops’ ability to provide timely services. If every independent shop lost just one repair per week due to an inability to access vehicle repair data, the total annual profit loss could reach $336 million nationally for independents; 

• Drivers in rural areas, including operators of emergency fleet vehicles, face disproportionately higher costs for services. Independent repair shops play a vital role in servicing and maintaining vehicles, where the closest dealership may be several hours away. 

These insights were a key part of our advocacy when engaging with MPs and senior government officials.

Driving forward 

In 2025, Right to Repair remained AIA Canada’s top advocacy priority. Key efforts included federal election engagement through AutoCareVotes.ca, ongoing collaboration with provincial and international partners, and support for members navigating Québec’s new Right to Repair regulations. Grassroots advocacy and media outreach helped keep the issue front and centre with decision-makers. 

Building on 2025’s momentum, 2026 advocacy priorities include: 

• Federal Right to Repair legislation: Push for a comprehensive federal framework that ensures consistent access to repair data and tools across all provinces. 

• Member-driven engagement: Expanding grassroots advocacy with more opportunities for local MP visits and member stories shared with policymakers. 

• Addressing market pressures: Advocacy that includes trade, supply chain, and electric vehicle transition issues—reinforcing how access to repair data supports a competitive, resilient auto care sector. 

Looking ahead to 2026, AIA Canada is focused on advancing a clear and consistent federal Right to Repair framework that supports independent repairers across Canada, aligns with provincial progress, and reflects the rapidly evolving realities of vehicle technology. 

Through continued engagement on Parliament Hill, AIA Canada and its members remain committed to turning advocacy into action—and ensuring a competitive, accessible auto care future for all Canadians.