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 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 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 Alana Baker at alana.baker@aiacanada.com.
Latest news

Another step forward for Right to Repair in Canada
As part of the federal government’s mid-year financial update and forecast, Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland spoke to the importance of

Right to Repair and Bill C-244: what you need to know
In this economy, you need the freedom to choose where you spend your money. This includes where you can take your vehicle to be serviced

AIA Canada advocates for right to repair legislation on Parliament Hill
Today, AIA Canada members engaged with Members of Parliament (MPs) and key political figures from across the country to advocate for the right to repair,
Our team

Alana Baker
Alana Baker is the vice president of government relations and research at AIA Canada. 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 the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (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’s work on advocacy campaigns has received multiple awards and she is the recipient of the PR News “Top 15 to Watch” award, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the public relations field. Alana has been recently recognized as a Top 100 Lobbyist by The Hill Times in 2022 and 2023.
Alana currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Government Relations Institute of Canada.
Interested in getting involved?
For more information or to discuss other ways you can get involved, please contact Alana Baker, AIA Canada’s Vice President of Government Relations and Research.