The Importance of the Aftermarket
The automotive aftermarket matters to the Canadian economy and to the Canadian consumers.
In 2017, the Canadian light vehicle aftermarket was valued at an all-time record of $21.6 billion, beating the previously documented record of $21.0 billion in 2015.
In 2017, there were a reported 23,640 repair and maintenance establishments and 4,654 automotive parts, accessories and tire store retailers located across the nation.
To put the importance of the aftermarket into perspective, consider the following:
- The aftermarket employs more people than Canada’s agricultural industry and Canada’s natural gas industry (that’s forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas combined).
Found in Canadian communities big and small, the aftermarket provides consumers with choice, and access to services and products required to meet their transportation needs.
Key Government Relation Files for 2019
In 2019, the government relations team at AIA will focus on two key files:
- Education and Workforce Development
- Canadian Automotive Service Information Standard (CASIS) & Telematics
We will also continue to monitor current issues including trade (NAFTA) and the ban on asbestos, and also address ad-hoc issues as they arise. For more information on our key files, visit here and here.
Our Approach to Government Relations
Government relation activities are not limited to approaching government to ask for something.
At AIA government relations is about building relationships, raising awareness, and aligning interests. We look to the long-term; understanding that our success will be a consequence of the foundations that we build.
What Have We Done For You Lately?
| Held a federal lobby day on Parliament Hill. | Testified before the Senate Committee on Transport and Communications for the study on the technical and regulatory issues related to the deployment of connected and autonomous vehicles. | Created new government relation materials for members. |
| Testified before the Joint Employer-Labour Employment Insurance Commissioners Forum on the strengths and weaknesses of the apprenticeship system as it relates to motive trades. | Hosted the panel discussion, Not Your Father’s Chevy: The Potential Crisis for Owners of Hi-Tech Vehicles. The panel examined the impacts of technological advancements on the aftermarket and on consumer choice. | Hosted a conference call between members and Steve Verheul, Canada’s Chief NAFTA negotiator. |
Want To Have Your Voice Heard?
Get in touch with Erin Chreptyk by email at erin.chreptyk@aiacanada.com or by phone at (613) 809-4671 to discuss how you can get involved in supporting the future of your industry.