Canadian Legislative News

The federal government is in the process of developing important policies for the transportation segment, from environmental rules to fuel economy regulations to zero-emission vehicle strategies. Most recently, Transport Canada released its Transportation 2030 strategy which included funding for the creation of regulations, certification, standards, and testing of automated vehicles. Furthermore, the House of Commons Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Committee has been studying automated and connected vehicles for the nation.

Concurrently, Canadian new car sales have been on a hot streak in recent years. Last year saw Canada’s first ever “2 million market,” an important threshold in the industry’s history.

While this great news gets attributed to dealers and manufacturers in the country, and to OEMs in other jurisdictions who supply this market, 20 percent of sales - close to 400,000 units - are fleet-destined vehicles with different regulatory and operational requirements than consumer vehicles.

In simple terms, fleet's market influence is not recognized at a level commensurate with its legislative needs. When the discussion focuses on the auto industry, it typically factors in consumers and manufacturers, while decision makers in the federal or provincial capitals typically fail to recognize the outsized influence and importance of fleet buyers and fleet and mobility managers.

This oversight could have a negative impact on the industry, as legislation developed with domestic vehicle ownership and utility in mind cannot hope to address the needs of fleet operators.

NAFA remains committed to engaging federal officials, keeping present the requirements of fleet managers as rules adapt to today's changing transportation landscape.