NMMA Canada’s Day on the Hill Engages Policymakers, Positioning it as the Industry’s Premier Advocacy Event in Canada
NMMA Canada hosted its Day on the Hill in Ottawa last week, an opportunity for members to voice industry concerns and propose solutions directly to those in positions to effect change on topics including repealing the luxury tax, ensuring access to waterways and advocating for investment in outdoor infrastructure.
The event provided a valuable platform to engage with policymakers, highlight bipartisan support and enhance industry collaboration. NMMA Canada members and staff met with more than a dozen Members of Parliament from all political parties as well as key government officials, including introductions with Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Minister Ahmed Hussen, and even NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh.
As the 2025 election year approaches, continued collaboration between industry representatives and policymakers will be essential to drive positive change and unlock the full potential of Canada's recreational boating sector.
To further capture a range of policymakers on Parliament Hill, NMMA’s Jeff Wasil, director of environment, health, and safety compliance, shared findings from global industry research in ICOMIA’s Pathways report and Propelling Our Future educational campaign to a full room of key officials from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Transport Canada, and the Canadian Coast Guard (Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada).
Wasil’s presentation on the portfolio of propulsion technologies needed to further decarbonize the recreational marine sector sparked significant interest and productive dialogue among officials and was praised for its depth and practical insights.
NMMA Canada's Day on the Hill concluded with a reception for Parliamentarians and staffers along the historic Rideau Canal. This event, which attracted more than 100 people, helped to kick off boating season in Parliament, but also served as a vehicle to strengthen relationships between industry representatives and policymakers, emphasizing the recreational boating sector's importance to Canada's economy and culture.
NMMA Canada would like to thank this year’s Day on the Hill sponsors: Canadian Marine Retailers Association, Boating Ontario, Vancouver International Boat Show, Mustang Survival, BRP, Toronto International Boat Show, Mercury Marine, Dometic, Yamaha, and Princecraft.