Impact of the 2021 federal election outcome on Canada’s automotive aftermarket

The 2021 election ended very much like it started – the Liberal Party holding minority power. Trudeau finds himself in a more challenging situation than he was pre-election. In a minority government, he depends on the support of other parties to advance his agenda. And now, without the threat of a snap election at his disposal, he may have a harder time compelling opposition parties to support his agenda. While the Conservative Party won the popular vote, its leader, Erin O’Toole, must now convince his caucus and party faithful that he should stay on as leader.

Election outcomes that help the industry to advance its interests:

• Michael Coteau, a former member of the Ontario Legislative Assembly, won the Don Valley East riding. Coteau is a champion of the right to repair and AIA Canada developed a relationship with him during his time as a MPP.
• Brian Masse (NDP, Windsor West) was re-elected. Masse, a long-time advocate of the right to repair, played a prominent role in the creation of the right to repair voluntary agreement signed in 2009 that ensured the aftermarket could repair vehicles equipped with on-board diagnostics.
• Bryan May (Liberal, Cambridge) was re-elected. AIA Canada has a relationship with May. May introduced a bill prior to the dissolution of Parliament that would allow repairers to circumvent technological protection measures put in place by manufacturers for the purpose of diagnosis, maintenance or repair of a product.

Three of the top promises that the Liberals campaigned on that could impact the aftermarket include:

• Create 1.4 Million Jobs

?Canada has already recovered 92% of jobs lost during the pandemic. To create more jobs, the Liberals pledge to equip Canadians with the right skills, help businesses, especially small businesses grow, and make businesses more competitive for the digital future.

• $10 a Day Childcare for Families

Cheaper childcare supports women to enter the workforce.

• Cut Emissions by 40-45% by 2030

Transportation is the second largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Canada – increasing the number of electric vehicles on Canada’s roads is a critical part of the government’s plan to cut emissions.

Top five issues that impacted how Canadians voted:

• Reducing the cost of living (36%)
• Improving Canada’s healthcare system (25%)
• Dealing with climate change (21%)
• Making housing more affordable (20%)
• Growing the economy (19%)