Last week, as part of the Government of Quebec’s pre-budget consultations for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, AIA Canada met with the Minister of Finance to present our priorities of the industry. This important inclusion reflects recognition of the auto care sector as a key economic sector and highlights the value of AIA Canada’s ongoing advocacy efforts on behalf of its members.
We had the opportunity to speak directly with the Minister’s advisor responsible for our files, as well as the Director General of Economic Development at the Ministry of Finance.
AIA Canada was represented by David Boudeweel, alongside two members of AIA Canada’s Quebec Division, Patrick Saint-Pierre, sales director at Groupe Monaco, and David Gagnon, director, independent sales, of Carquest’s Quebec Division.
Together, these participants will present a unified, credible industry perspective grounded in the day-to-day realities of Quebec’s auto care sector.
Key issues and recommendations presented
Discussions focused primarily on the auto care sector’s most pressing challenges, particularly in workforce development, skills training, industry perception, and consumer protection.
Our recommendations were as follows:
- Plan for additional hires at the Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration to accelerate the processing of immigration files and improve the settlement of temporary and permanent workers.
- Take the necessary measures to retain individuals who arrived in Quebec through the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).
- Develop, in collaboration with automotive employers, a support program to assist new workers with the purchase or leasing of professional tools, reducing financial barriers to entry and supporting long-term workforce retention.
- Increase funding for the EV Skills (Compétences VÉ) program and ensure its continued deployment across Quebec, enabling more mechanics and specialized technicians to acquire the skills required to maintain and repair electric vehicles.
- Provide dedicated support to Repreneuriat Québec for initiatives specific to the automotive trades sector.
- Fund a provincial campaign to promote automotive trades among young people who are in the process of choosing a career path.
- Increase operating funding for the Office de la protection du consommateur (Consumer Protection Office) to ensure it has the resources required to effectively assume its expanded responsibilities following the implementation in October 2025 of legislation aimed at combating planned obsolescence and promoting durability, repairability, and maintenance of goods.
While the Premier of Quebec announced his departure, it is clear that our government work continues and that the issues we aim to advance remain active. Ministerial teams remain fully engaged, and we will continue our discussions with various government stakeholders to continue to advocate for the priorities of our industry.
Advocating for Quebec members where decisions are made
AIA Canada’s participation in the 2026–2027 pre-budget consultations underscores its commitment to representing Quebec members at the policy table. By bringing forward practical, industry-driven recommendations, the association continues to ensure that the auto care sector’s contributions and challenges are clearly understood by decision-makers.
AIA Canada will continue to work with government partners and keep Quebec members informed as discussions progress and budgetary decisions take shape.