Your voice, our direction: How your feedback shapes our advocacy

This past August, AIA Canada invited members across the country to participate in a survey focusing on our government relations efforts, an important opportunity for your voice to help shape the direction of our advocacy work. The results are in, the data has been reviewed, and now, we are closing the loop with you: here is what we heard, what we have learned, and how your feedback directly informs our path forward for the year ahead. 

Your priorities, our focus 

Members from across the country shared that they operate in an environment of rapid change and rising complexity. From securing access to vehicle repair data, to navigating cross-border trade pressures, to preparing the electric vehicle (EV) transition, one message was clear: the auto care sector needs policies that enable innovation, fairness, and stability. 

• Right to repair: Members overwhelmingly identified open access to vehicle repair information as the most pressing issue. Without it, independent repairers cannot compete or serve consumers effectively. 

• Trade and supply chains: Tariffs, currency fluctuations, and border delays create persistent cost pressures and uncertainty. 

• EV transition: Businesses are ready to adapt, but require targeted government support for training, equipment, and regulatory clarity. 

These priorities form the foundation of AIA Canada’s advocacy strategy for 2026. 

Turning feedback into action 

The insights from this survey are already shaping our advocacy roadmap. As the fall parliamentary session begins, AIA Canada is advancing a focused agenda that reflects the priorities our members have identified: 

• Championing right to repair legislation to secure equitable access to vehicle data and diagnostics. 

• Advocating for trade and border stability to ease cost burdens and maintain consistent access to parts, tools, and equipment. 

• Driving EV readiness by promoting grants, rebates, and workforce training programs that strengthen the aftermarket’s ability to adapt to the electric transition. 

• Supporting the labour pipeline by encouraging federal and provincial policies that expand access to skilled trades and streamline foreign worker recruitment. 

Each initiative is rooted in real-world challenges and informed by member experience. 

Looking ahead 

We have packaged the survey insights into government briefings for Members of Parliament (MPs), ministers, and senior officials, reinforcing that the auto care sector is essential to Canada’s economy and climate goals. 

Over the next year, AIA Canada will amplify these priorities through direct advocacy, media engagement, and member-driven campaigns. You will also have more opportunities to get involved, like hosting a local MP visit, sharing your business story, or lending your voice to upcoming advocacy initiatives.