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 $43.9 billion auto care sector.
With more than thousands of members from coast to coast, 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 access for download the Equivalency Certificate here by login into their member account.
Members can access online health and safety training via the Bistrainer website.
For inquiries related to the transportation of dangerous goods, please email our Government Relations team at gr@aiacanada.com.
Latest news
Right to Repair in Quebec: Key takeaways from our webinar
On June 17, 2026, AIA Canada hosted a webinar on Quebec’s Right to Repair Regulation, which came into force on October 5, 2025. Bringing together industry representatives
Right to repair and the OPC: Essential information and tools
Quebec’s Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) plays a key role in protecting consumers and ensuring fair business practices under the Consumer Protection Act
Member update: Temporary Foreign Worker policy approach from the federal government
The federal government has unveiled an updated immigration and Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) strategy as part of its ongoing target to reduce the share of
Our team
Emily Chung, MBA, technicienne en entretien automobile certifiée Sceau rouge (310S)
Emily Chung is president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada), a non-profit organization that is the voice and resource of a $43.9 billion industry with thousands of professional members from coast to coast. Under Emily’s leadership, AIA Canada brings together the entire auto care supply and service chain and equips its members with the tools, skills, , and knowledge they need to succeed in a fast-paced, competitive landscape.
In her role, Emily brings a diverse and hands-on perspective to the auto care sector, helping to connect stakeholders across the supply chain and support industry growth and innovation.
Emily’s experience in the auto care industry spans both the corporate and skilled trades environments. Growing up in the industry, she gained early insight into both the challenges and opportunities of the automotive sector. She would eventually start her own independent auto repair business and successfully earned her 310S Red Seal as an Automotive Service Technician.
Throughout her career in the auto care sector, Emily has focused her efforts on advancing key industry priorities, including workforce development and talent attraction, right to repair and access to information, and strengthening collaboration across the sector. She is passionate about building a sustainable talent pipeline by engaging students earlier and increasing awareness of career opportunities, while also advocating for policies that support technicians, educators, and business owners.
With a background that bridges multiple facets of the industry—including business operations, education, and media—Emily brings a well-rounded and practical approach to industry challenges. She is committed to helping align diverse stakeholder needs, drive engagement, and translate strategic priorities into meaningful, measurable outcomes for the sector.
Emily is available to speak on the following topics:
- Workforce development and talent attraction
- Right to repair and access to information
- Industry collaboration and engagement
- Careers in the skilled trades and auto care sector
Emily Holtby
Emily Holtby is Vice President of Government Relations for AIA Canada, leading advocacy efforts with federal and provincial governments. She manages AIA Canada’s government relations strategic plan, providing strategic guidance to senior leadership. Previously, she worked as Senior Director, Government and Stakeholder Relations at the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and worked as a Senior Public Affairs Specialist for a public affairs firm in Ottawa.
Emily has an extensive background in government and public relations, having worked for a variety of not-for-profit trade associations in the creation and execution of their advocacy and communications plans.
Emily has received recognition from the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) for her work on leading advocacy campaigns for some of Canada’s largest organizations. A campaign Emily managed was recognized in Washington, District of Columbia, among North America’s top press release results, and she was a finalist in the 2019 and 2017 Faces in Ottawa Awards for Top Government Relations Specialist for her work with the CMPA.
Emily sits on the Board of Directors of the Government Relations Institute of Canada and was a member of the Parliamentary Internship Programme Advisory Board for 8 years.
Emily is available to speak on the following topics:
- Right to repair
- Government relations
- Advocacy priorities within the auto care industry
Interested in getting involved?
For more information or to discuss other ways you can get involved, please contact our Government Relations team.