In times when many of us are facing multiple challenges, the importance of strong and consistency advocacy for our industry cannot be overstated. To ensure the message of the auto care sector is consistently heard at both the federal and provincial levels, it is critical to maintain a strong public-facing presence. Whether that’s via social media engagement, informational blog posts, opinion pieces or podcast interviews, delivering a strong, consistent message counts.

Top of mind

Staying relevant via consistent messaging also enables us to stay top of mind among key decision makers, giving our industry a much better opportunity to not only have our voice heard but our concerns and issues considered when it comes to changing or introducing new legislation.

It’s also essential that in terms of advocacy efforts, AIA Canada and those representing the interests of the auto care industry tailor their messaging to align with the priorities of each political party, recognizing that provincial governments like those in Ontario and Alberta may differ significantly from their federal counterparts when it comes to priorities.

At AIA Canada, we consistently emphasize the significant economic impact and job creation that’s driven by our industry, while at the same time engaging consumers through clear, accessible information. It is essential however, that we continue to put a human face on the issue, making the story personal, real and relatable. 

Powerful when humanized

Which is why grassroots engagement is critical. Advocacy becomes most powerful when it is humanized and politics after all, is local. Fostering and nurturing personal relationships with elected officials gives a face and story to the issues we champion. Business owners, operators, and industry professionals all play a crucial role in making these connections real and tangible for policymakers, and this is why it is vital for our members to take an active role in our advocacy efforts and having more champions join us, since there is always strength in numbers.

With the 2025 Federal Election now behind us, and the Liberals having formed government, we now have an opportunity to align our messaging with their agenda and take steps to ensure their priorities resonate strongly with the Right to Repair movement, which advocates for consumer choice, supports a thriving home-grown auto care industry and champions the circular economy. 

Simple and impactful

If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to get involved at the grassroots level where participation in Right to Repair is both simple and impactful. Individuals can start by visiting righttorepair.ca, becoming grassroots champions within their own networks, and connecting with me personally to find opportunities to support our advocacy efforts. 

We’ve already seen how this can make a big difference. One recent success was AIA Canada’s consumer letter-writing campaign in the fall of 2024 for Bills C-244 and C-294. We mobilized our network to send 365 letters to Senators, applying direct pressure to support the bills. Additionally, appearing before the Senate committee alongside members directly impacted by Right to Repair issues created a powerful narrative. Personal connections with Senators—many of whom shared their own frustrations with securing repairs—made a real difference. By bringing the AIA Canada board to Ottawa immediately following the committee hearings, we reinforced our message at a high level.

The examples above clearly illustrate how building a strong, visible base of support really reinforces our advocacy efforts, ensuring that as an industry, we can amplify our collective voice and reinforce our message among key decision makers within government to ensure our interests and those of the wider communities in which we serve, are properly represented and considered.