On April 25th and 26th, RVDA and the CCRVC held another successful set of Parliament Hill Awareness Days. Featuring a reception attended by more than 50 MPs and Senators, as well as almost 50 one-on-one meetings and a press conference, delegates had ample opportunity to talk about the importance of the RV and camping sector, including the need for investment in federal campgrounds, clarification on tax policies, and a renewed North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

In particular, there was ample interest from all MPs for new economic impact information about the RV industry and the Canadian economy that is being finalized. These will provide an excellent follow-up touch point to remind decision-makers about the continuing impact of the RV and camping industry in Canada and that value of supporting its continued growth.

Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

US Steel and aluminum tariffs, Canada’s response, and the impact on the RV industry have been a top priority for the RV industry this spring. RVDA has been consistent in its support for the government’s multi-partisan, whole-of-government approach to preserving North American free trade, as well as highlighting how our industry have thrived in an integrated North American market.

The introduction of US tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum are cause for considerable concern in our industry. RVDA has taken steps to make it clear how our industry is impacted and how certain reactions can create even more harm.

Following the tariff announcement on May 31st, RVDA issued a rapid-response press release highlighting the impact that they will have on the industry. The impact is real: about half of materials in an RV made in the United States are imported from Canada, including steel and aluminum. 95% of RVs sold in Canada are imported from the United States. Canadian metal imports support US manufacturing jobs in this industry.

 This release received wide coverage, with RV’s serving as a key example of how tariffs and response will affect Canadians on the June 1st edition of CBC’s the National.

On June 26th, RVDA had representation before a special Parliamentary Committee study on the impact of the US Tariffs and proposed Canadian response. Bob Verway of Owasco RV appeared before the Standing Committee on International Trade in Ottawa to highlight how the US Tariffs was already having an impact on price and the risk that a prolonged trade war posed to employment, his business and the industry. Verwey’s testimony received national coverage, being prominently featured in the National Post and other Postmedia papers, and the Globe and Mail.