One tournament, one community, one future: A look back at a memorable day
On Thursday, May 29, the mood was celebratory on the greens as members of AIA Canada’s Quebec Division gathered in the Quebec City region for the division’s annual golf tournament. A total of 120 golfers came together for the very first tournament of the season, accompanied by around fifteen guests who joined in for the cocktail reception and dinner. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with professionals from all corners of Canada’s auto care industry.
During dinner, Mathieu Côté, President of AIA Canada’s Quebec Division, took the floor to warmly thank the participants for turning out in such large numbers. He also highlighted the outstanding work of the organizing committee that made this eighteenth edition possible.
Thanks to the valuable support of industry sponsors, the tournament featured an entertaining course, marked by various skill contests that added a friendly competitive edge throughout the day. These challenges allowed golfers to compete with one another while having a chance to win prizes awarded during the evening.
A look back at a busy year
Taking the opportunity, Mathieu Côté offered a brief overview of the Quebec Division’s achievements over the past year. He notably recalled the success of AIA Canada Day, during which division volunteers visited 11 vocational training centres (CFPs), meeting with over 1,200 students passionate about the trade.
This commitment to the next generation also materialized through the awarding of over $9,000 in Raymond Savard scholarships, offered in partnership with the AIA High Fives for Kids Foundation. Mathieu emphasized that this support for emerging professionals would not have been possible without the generosity of participants and donors at the 2024 edition of the golf tournament.
Shining a light on the faces of our industry: The “I Am AIA” campaign
Mario Comtois, volunteer member of AIA Canada’s Quebec Division committee and leader of the “I Am AIA” campaign, also spoke a few words about this admirable initiative aimed at showcasing the people behind our industry. Launched in December 2022, the campaign seeks to highlight the stories, paths, and passion of those who bring the auto care sector to life.
In this spirit, Mario warmly invited participants to take part in this inspiring initiative. He encouraged everyone to scan the QR code on the posters placed on each table and share their own story. Indeed, your story might inspire someone else—perhaps even encourage a new generation to pursue this promising and opportunity-rich career path.
If you are interested in taking part in the “I Am AIA” campaign, please submit your application.
Mobilization that makes a difference
In closing, let us highlight that a total of $10,070 was raised in Raymond Savard scholarships during the tournament. This amount will be donated to the AIA High Fives for Kids Foundation to provide scholarships in the coming year to students in mechanical and auto body repair programs at local vocational training centres. It’s a great way to give back to the community and actively contribute to the future of our industry.
Year after year, this event remains a special moment to build relationships, network with industry colleagues, and above all, support initiatives that promote the education and development of today’s and tomorrow’s talent.
A huge thank you to all who, through their presence and commitment, contributed to the success of this must-attend tournament!
Sincere thanks to Mathieu Côté, Mario Comtois, and Steve Bernard, members of the organizing committee, for their dedication and effort in bringing this tournament edition to life. And of course, thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the 2025 edition of AIA Canada Quebec Division’s Golf Tournament a success.
We hope to see just as many of you (if not more!) at the next edition in September 2026. See you on the course!