Government relations: Working for the sector
Issue 1: Right to Repair
Modern, web-connected vehicles collect thousands of data points on the health of vehicle systems. Without access to this data, independent auto repair shops cannot service a vehicle.
Issue 2: Labour
The auto care sector is facing a skills shortage caused by rising retirement rates and a decrease in registrations for apprenticeship programs. Find out more about how we’re helping address this issue.
About the auto care sector
AIA Canada represents, supports and leads innovation in Canada’s $37.8 billion auto care sector.
With more than 4,000 members across the country, our vision, research, training programs and advocacy supports Canada’s collision and mechanical sectors.
Our best practices for the auto care industry help our members keep Canada’s fleet of almost 26.6 million vehicles on the road.
Government relations matters
Politics impacts every part of your business. At the same time, political decision-makers often don’t fully grasp exactly how their choices or inaction will impact you, your business and your employees.
Decision-makers can’t fix problems they don’t know about, which is why they need to be engaged directly by those affected.
The Government Relations team at AIA Canada is working for our members and sector overall to advance issues and concerns that will impact the future of the sector. We are focused on what matters to our membership and take a targeted approach to raise our concerns with key decision makers who can then take action.
Transportation of Dangerous Goods
Equivalency Certificates, issued by Transport Canada, authorize AIA Canada’s members to transport various dangerous goods.
AIA Canada members can download the Equivalency Certificate here.
Members can access online health and safety training via the Bistrainer website.
For inquiries related to the transportation of dangerous goods, please email Erin Chreptyk at erin.chreptyk@aiacanada.com.
Latest News
AIA Canada joins CMC call to support Canadian manufacturing
In a press release issued on March 16, 2023, ahead of the 2023 Federal Budget announcement, members of the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition (CMC) called on
Consultation on the future of competition policy in Canada
The Government of Canada is seeking input on the future of competition policy in Canada, including how to ensure the law and its provisions remain
AIA Canada urges more funding for skills training at Ontario provincial pre-budget consultations
AIA Canada’s Senior Director of Government Relations, Alana Baker, promoted the auto care sector’s demand for more funding for skills training as part of the
Our Team
Alana Baker
An accomplished government and public affairs professional, Alana Baker has over 15 years of experience and a proven track record of executing high impact advocacy and public relations campaigns.
Alana launched her career at a local consultancy firm in 2005, providing public affairs advice to senior association executives across North America. Prior to joining AIA Canada, Alana was with the Hotel Association of Canada where she quickly rose through the ranks from Director to Vice-President and played a lead role in achieving significant advocacy wins on behalf of the industry.
Alana is the recipient of the PR News “Top 15-to-Watch” award, and she was recently recognized as a 2022 Top 100 Lobbyist by The Hill Times.
Erin Chreptyk
With over 6 years’ experience on AIA Canada’s government relations team, Erin has an unparalleled understanding of the issues important to the Canadian auto sector. She has played critical roles in the development and implementation of several of AIA Canada’s initiatives over the years, including the Your Car. Your Data Your Choice. TM campaign and the Vehicle of the Future Advisory Group. Erin was instrumental in the successful launch of the Innovation in Automotive Training project, in partnership with St. Lawrence College.
She is a passionate promoter of the automotive right to repair, and proudly counts the recent successes on this front as a highlight of her time at AIA Canada.
Interested in getting involved?
For more information or to discuss other ways you can get involved, please contact Alana Baker, AIA Canada’s Senior Director of Government Relations.