AIA holds lobbying day on Parliament Hill

Industry leaders from across Canada converged on Parliament Hill last week to convince Members of Parliament of the need for incentives to ensure more vehicles inspections are done in the interest of safer roads.

“When a vehicle is repaired to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications through regular maintenance, the consumer ends up with a safer and more reliable vehicle that is far more environmentally friendly and much more fuel efficient, thereby saving Canadian vehicle owners money,” said Marc Brazeau, president of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA), which organized the event.

“Regular vehicle maintenance decreases the chances of mechanical breakdown; reduces the potential for expensive repairs; extends the vehicle’s life; and increases the resale value while enhancing overall vehicle performance. But it all starts with a vehicle inspection,” he said.

The delegation took part in 12 meetings with ministers, members of parliament, senior staff members, and policy advisors. Other meetings preceded the day of lobbying, and continued the day after. Teams were comprised of small groups of industry leaders, who met with Members of Parliament from all political parties.

AIA also organized a cocktail reception for parliamentarians to provide an informal opportunity for industry leaders to network and discuss with Members of Parliament in a social setting. More than 50 prominent political figures, including Nycole Turmel, leader of the opposition, Jim Flaherty, the federal minister of finance, and Lisa Raitt, minister of labour attended the soiree.

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada represents the $18.7 billion automotive aftermarket industry that employs more than 420,200 people in Canada.