Legislative breakthroughs bolster Ontario’s automotive retail sector.

As 2024 gets underway, it is perhaps, a good time to reflect on some of the advocacy efforts by Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario (MVRO) over the last year. There’s no question that 2023 witnessed some monumental wins for Ontario’s 1,100 new car and truck retailers. 

The most significant changes were made to the education system that introduced students to the skilled trades at a younger age. And for the first time in 21 years, the minimum fine for illegal, unlicensed car dealers—commonly known as curbsiders—has increased. The fine has doubled from $2,500-$5,000.

Tremendous support

On the provincial front, Ontario Premier Doug Ford continued to show his tremendous support for Ontario’s auto retail sector. By reforming the skilled trades system and getting tough on illegal car dealers, Premier Ford is not just talking the talk, he’s also demonstrated that he’s walking the walk. The Premier has taken the MVRO’s concerns seriously and is making crucial changes to support the sector. Further down this column, you will see the numerous provincial reforms he and his Ministers have made to strengthen the auto retail sector.

Federal efforts

In 2023, the MVRO’s advocacy efforts included some federal issues as well. A big thank you goes to Francesco Sorbara, the Member of Parliament for Vaughan–Woodbridge and Chair of the Liberal Auto Caucus. MP Sorbara’s hard work and support for the auto retail sector played an important role in doubling the federal Tradesperson’s Tool Deduction from $500 to $1,000 in the 2023 federal Budget. This deduction will greatly benefit auto technicians by lowering the cost of their tools.

The MVRO accomplishments for 2023 include:

• The passing of Bill 139, the Less Red Tape, More Common Sense Act, 2023, which increases the minimum fine for curbsiders—illegal, unlicensed car dealers—from $2,500 to $5,000. This is the first increase to the minimum fine since the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act was passed in 2002.

• Doubling the federal Tradesperson’s Tool Deduction from $500 to $1,000 in Budget 2023.

• A commitment to consult on allowing students in grade 11 to transition to a full-time, skilled trades apprenticeship program. Upon receiving their Certificate of Apprenticeship, these young workers can apply for their Ontario Secondary School Diploma as mature students.

• Implementing a new high school graduation requirement. Starting with students entering Grade 9 in September 2024, all students will now be required to earn a Grade 9 or 10 Technological Education credit as part of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

• The commissioning of the MVRO’s first-ever Ontario Labour Market Report. The report showed in Q1 of 2023, there were 3,000 job vacancies in the automotive trades.

• Expanding the functionality of the Digital Dealer Registration program to include the registration of used vehicles, and more online functionality to keep track of stock and other items. 

• Extending Ontario’s 5.7 cents per litre tax cut on gasoline until June 30, 2024; and

• $18 million in provincial funding for the Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) grant to help police combat auto theft.

As we venture further into a new year, MVRO will continue advocating for government officials to make sure the voice of Ontario’s 1,100 new car and truck retailers is front and centre with decision-makers. Given the substantial progress made in 2023, there is every reason to indicate that going forward, we will continue to see advocacy efforts that help strengthen one of the most important sectors of our economy.