The here, now, and next: A recap of the Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference
The AIA Canada National Conference was held on March 11, 2026, as part of the Canadian Auto Care Industry Conference (CAIC), where auto care sector professionals from across the country got together to network and attend future-focused sessions from subject matter experts.
To start the day, AIA Canada President and CEO, Emily Chung, gave attendees insight what the future of the auto care industry looks like, about AIA Canada, and how our advocacy and initiatives aim to ensure the longevity and success of the industry.
“AIA Canada continues to solve industry issues through our unique way of bringing different levels of our industry together.”
Determining solutions for a future-ready workforce
The first panel of the day was moderated by Stephanie Cooney-Mann of UAP Inc., and included panelists Chris Theodoratos of Mr. Lube + Tires, Shannon Miller of Accelerate Auto, Saifullah Sanaye from The Mechanic and Technician Upskilling Canada and Hitesh Patel of Transtar Industries (King-O-Matic). Throughout, panelists discussed how intentional leadership and inclusive workforce strategies can drive better business results.
“Check your biases and give opportunities to those who are not necessarily speaking up or putting their hands up. Call on someone to speak up who has not done so—they will have good points. It is important as a leader to set that tone.” said Patel.
Concurrent sessions let attendees customize their learning path
After a brief networking break, three concurrent sessions were offered twice throughout the morning to allow attendees to sit in at least two out of three sessions of their choosing this year. These sessions dove into challenges and trends that affect the industry today, from business performance, young professionals, to market research and data.
One of the three sessions, Technician or operations challenge: What is holding back repair shops?, was led by Murray Voth, president of RPM Training. Throughout this session, Murray explored the realities and challenges facing repair shops today, and how businesses can navigate these challenges while meeting ever-changing consumer preferences.
Another session, Bridging the talent gap: How young professionals will future proof the auto care industry, dove into how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming roles in the auto care industry. Presented by Pruthvi Brahmbhatt of UAP Inc., attendees learned about how they can utilize emerging technologies to their advantage.
In the final session, Canadian auto sector trends: Navigating uncertainty touched on market research and data, was led by Ryan Robinson, automotive research leader at Deloitte LLP.
With this session, attendees were able to gain a deep understanding of the broad implications of emerging technologies, electric vehicles (EVs), and what constant market shifts mean for their business and strategies going forward.
AIA Canada celebrates excellence with industry awards
During the lunch and networking break, attendees gathered to honour 2026 industry award recipients.
We honoured Adam Malik, editor-in-chief, Turnkey Media Solutions – automotive group, for being awarded Young Leader of the Year, recognizing her exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to the industry.
Shortly after, the AIA Canada Distinguished Service Award was presented, which recognizes outstanding service and leadership that contributes to the growth of the auto care industry, was awarded to Tony Canade, CEO of Newmarket Equipment Inc.
The road ahead: Top trends in the auto care sector
Following lunch, attendees were able to view a live edition of AIA Canada’s vodcast, Curbside Chat, where panelists talked about what is shaping the auto care sector today, such as artificial intelligence, the impact of geopolitics, labour challenges, and more.
Host Lorraine Sommerfeld was joined by Alain Primeau, president of UAP Inc., Nick Brunet, president and COO of Bestbuy Distributors, and Nick Field, vice president of sales, Uni-Select Inc.
When talking about the labour market and ensuring independent service businesses still have their roots, Nick Field emphasized the importance of community. “It is the sense of community that the local operators have the connection to the shops, the connection to the customers, and the connections to the local soccer team or the golf course they have sponsored for years. It gives us a sense of pride for our entire executive team and how we have been able to maintain that. We are making that local DNA part of our corporate fabric.”
President of UAP Inc., Alain Primeau, added on the sense of community, and how it can help ensure the long-term success of the industry. “There is so much we can learn from each other by exchanging ideas and just talking to each other. We can be great talkers—but we also need to be great listeners.”
Going beyond “just co-op”
Lucas Chang, founder and program director of Y2 Entrepreneurship Labs, highlighted how strategic collaboration and industry partnerships are essential to attracting the next generation of talent to the auto care sector. By creating opportunities for networking, skills development, and hands-on learning, high school students gain meaningful exposure to the diverse and rewarding career paths the industry offers. These early connections not only broaden students’ perspectives but also help position the auto care sector as a dynamic, viable, and long-term career choice—strengthening its ability to attract and retain young professionals.
The impact of politics on Canada’s auto care sector
Returning for a second year, Dr. David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, was joined on stage with Emily Holtby, vice president, government relations of AIA Canada, to dive into the latest government activity and how it impacts the auto care sector—from international relations, upcoming bills, the past election, and how vehicle owners act.
“From a consumer behaviour perspective, in this economy, trust is everything. Consumers are scanning constantly for risk and fragility, and they are looking if you are pricing things fairly and if you are following up on what you are saying.” said Coletto. “In a way, every brand in this environment has to build pockets of certainty in an uncertain world. Can you guarantee a price for me? Can you create more certainty in your estimates? Consumers do not want to be shocked.”
To end the day, AIA Canada’s president and CEO, Emily Chung, presented the closing remarks.
Later in the evening, the industry-wide networking reception took place, where attendees had the opportunity to mix and mingle with auto care and collision repair professionals. As part of CAIC, CCIF Toronto took place the next day, where collision industry stakeholders gathered to learn the latest insights about human resources (HR), vehicle technology, and profitability.