Canadian RV and Camping Industry urges the Government to aggressively pursue the lifting of steel and aluminum tariffs, and to implement a Fair Taxation Regime for Campgrounds

 Canadian RV and Camping Industry urges the Government to aggressively pursue the lifting of steel and aluminum tariffs, and to implement a Fair Taxation Regime for Campgrounds 

Representatives from the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada and the Canadian Camping and RV Council (CCRVC) were on Parliament Hill last May 2, 2019 to discuss the impacts of steel and aluminum tariffs on the industry, and the need for implementation of a fair tax regime for campgrounds across Canada.

The RV sector, like many other industries, is part of an integrated North American market. With 95% of RV products imported from the United States, steel and aluminum are major inputs for RV production, and increased costs for either material because of tariffs have a significant impact on affordability of RV products. RV dealers are reporting price increases resulting from tariffs.

 “The government of Canada should maintain pressure on the US for the lift of the steel and aluminum tariffs. While Canada has started the process to ratify CUSMA, the government should ensure that ratification in Canada hinges with the removal of these tariffs,” said Herb Cowen, Chairman of the Board of RVDA. “The government should also provide additional support to the industries impacted by these tariffs.”

 RVing and camping in Canada generate considerable economic benefits. The manufacturing, purchasing, servicing, and use of recreation vehicles contribute billions to the Canadian economy each year. In 2017, the RV industry supported 66,000 jobs and there was $6.1 billion in total spending. There are over 4,231 campgrounds operated across Canada, each offering a unique experience for Canadians and international visitors.

The promotion of the RV sector and proper infrastructure in our existing parks are crucial to the growth of the RVing and camping industries, as well as a prosperous Canadian tourism sector. The RVing industry contributes billions to the national economy, but campgrounds across Canada need infrastructural improvements in order to accommodate new camping and RV technologies.

 A fair tax regime and investment in the necessary infrastructural updates for small businesses would benefit the family-owned campgrounds and RV dealerships that enable Canadians and visitors alike to experience all that Canada has to offer. As it stands, small campgrounds are faced with a nearly 300% tax increase. Chairman of CCRVC, Robert Trask, explains this represents “a significant threat not only to small private campgrounds, but also to the entire RV and camping industry.”

 “Together, the RV and campground industries play an important role in the health of Canada’s tourism sector and make a significant contribution to Canada’s economy. The need to develop policies that support all travel and tourism, and recognize RVing as a prosperous tourism activity, are essential to the RV industry,” concluded Trask.