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The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Canada announced today the release of a new study outlining the economic impact of recreational boating in Canada. In 2016, the influence of the recreational boating industry in Canada resulted in revenues estimated at $10 billion that generated $5.6 billion in GDP and supported nearly 75,000 jobs throughout the country.

“This new economic impact data reinforces the importance of recreational boating in Canada and the significant contribution our industry makes to the Canadian economy,” said Sara Anghel, executive director of NMMA Canada. “Boating is a favourite pastime of millions of Canadians and the 8.6 million boats on the water in Canada stimulate jobs, revenue and taxes.”

The study’s release coincides with the fifth annual Recreational Boating Day on the Hill in Ottawa. Day on the Hill is a gathering of leaders from all sectors of the Canadian recreational boating industry on Parliament Hill to advocate on behalf of the industry’s 4,792 Canadian marine companies. The annual legislative event provides the marine industry an opportunity to communicate with Parliamentarians on key issues impacting recreational boating.

Noted Anghel, “Findings from this study provide vital boating data we can deliver directly to Parliamentarians to illustrate the important role recreational boating plays in the Canadian economy, and lends further support to our industry efforts to protect and grow recreational boating in Canada.”

Highlights from the study include:

• The core recreational boating industry was directly and indirectly responsible for $10 billion in revenues in 2016, a 12.4% increase from 2012
• Those revenues contributed $5.6 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2016, a 12% increase from 2012
• The core recreational boating industry supports approximately 75,000 jobs, generating $2.9 billion in annual salaries and wages, an 11.5% increase from 2012
• The economic activity supported by the core recreational boating industry contributes $868 million in annual taxes and subsidies to Canada’s economy, a 12.1% increase from 2012
• Forty-three per cent of Canadians went boating in 2016
• Canadians own approximately 8.6 million boats

The study titled, The Economic Impact of Recreational Boating in Canada: 2016, defines the core recreational boating industry as boat and accessory manufacturers, boat and accessory dealers, marina operators, repair and maintenance shops, schools and boat clubs, and other related companies.

The study was conducted by Hickling Arthurs Low on behalf of NMMA Canada and in cooperation with the recreational boating industry’s national marketing program, Discover Boating Canada, and Canada’s regional marine trade associations.

“NMMA is a trusted source for recreational boating statistics and we hope our members and industry stakeholders will find the valuable insights in this new economic impact study helpful to their businesses,” added Anghel.

The complete study is now available for NMMA members to download at nmma.org and nmma.ca.

About NMMA
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry in North America. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information, please visit www.nmma.ca or www.nmma.org.