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Change and Opportunity

Autosphere » Collision » Change and Opportunity
Mathieu P. Dagonas. Credit: Photo courtesy of Mathieu P. Dagonas

Meet the new Executive Director of OARA, Mathieu P. Dagonas.

I’m very excited and feel privileged to be appointed as the next Executive Director of the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA). When Steve Fletcher announced that he was retiring from the role after a long association with the industry and that I was nominated as his successor, I realized that I had some very big shoes to fill. I look forward to doing my best to fill them however and continuing the incredible work that Steve and OARA has done in shaping the modern auto recycling industry in Canada.

Advocacy insights

I come to this role via a background in government and communications. I worked for the government for more than seven years between 2005-2012, including as an advisor to various cabinet members, including the former Finance Minister. I’ve also helped organizations receive grants and other funding opportunities, particularly in the at-risk youth space. Prior to coming to OARA, I worked with the telecommunications ombudsman (CCTS). Working with stakeholders such as the CRTC, as well as providers such as Bell Canada, Rogers, Videotron and Telus provided a good deal of insight into the complexities of advocacy and the issues that they and stakeholders in other industries are facing.

Forward thinking

OARA’s Board felt confident that this experience would lend itself well to the auto recycling sector and here I am. As I’ve delved into the role and learned ever more about this industry, I’ve become fascinated by how forward thinking it is. With environmental stewardship and responsibility a major driving force among auto recyclers—combined with a very strong sense of community the industry has, I feel excited to be able to represent the interests of OARA’s members and partners. Working alongside Steve has been an invaluable experience, particularly as we deal with a high level of economic and political uncertainty. Right now, Canada is grappling with potential trade tariffs that could significantly impact recycling and the wider automotive economy including the entire supply chain. Fortunately used auto parts are local parts and can help minimize supply disruptions. Vehicle theft is another area of concern to law enforcement and insurance, and auto recyclers need to be part of those discussions. Mismanaged VINs can mask stolen vehicles, and auto recyclers are experts in managing the proper retirement of VINs.

Adapt and overcome

While obstacles will always be there, our ability to adapt and overcome them is what defines us, and as we’ve seen over decades, the auto recycling community and those within it have proved to be more than up to the challenge. Additionally, I very much look forward to the OARA Convention in Niagara Falls (March 27-29) and getting an opportunity to meet those of you who I haven’t had the chance to yet. On a final note, I would like to wish all of you the very best in 2025 and I look forward to building upon the legacy established by Steve and OARA, as well as continuing to bring the best insights I can to the pages of this publication.

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