AIA Canada’s testimony to Ontario’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs

On August 18, 2020, Jean-François Champagne, AIA Canada’s president, testified in front of the Government of Ontario’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. The Committee’s mandate is to consider and report to the Parliament of Ontario on the province’s fiscal and economic policies.

AIA Canada’s testimony centered around the impact of COVID-19 on the Canadian aftermarket industry, including the finding from an AIA Canada member survey that 45 percent of members reported a decrease of business greater than 30 percent.

Importantly, the testimony called for consistent essential-service designation for businesses in the aftermarket supply chain. This is to ensure that during the next crisis, businesses can keep their doors open.

As well, the testimony addressed the need to upskill the industry’s workforce and the impact that the certification of collision shops would have on increasing consumer safety and decreasing insurance costs and fraud.