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EN- June 2026 RVDA Newsletter

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RVDAHillDay2026:AUnified VoicefortheFutureofRVing andCamping

RVDA Hill Day 2026 began with a unified RVDA Hill Day 2026 began with a unified mandate and a focused advocacy plan, mandate and a focused advocacy plan, anchored by a strategic board meeting anchored by a strategic board meeting that aligned our leadership before that aligned our leadership before advan advancing to Parliament Hill cing Parliament Hill.

From Grassroots to Great Careers: Inspiring the Next Generation at SCNC 2026

The Toronto Enercare Centre came alive The Toronto Enercare Centre came alive May 28–29 as SCNC 2026 showcased May 28–29 as SCNC 2026 showcased Canada’s best students and apprentices Canada’s best students apprentices competing for national titles and a path competing national titles and a path to the world stage. to the stage.

Since 1989, the Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award has spotlighted dealers who inspire, lead, and champion the RV lifestyle Presented by RVDA of Canada with RV Lifestyle Magazine and Dealer News, it honours those whose excellence strengthens communities nationwide

Chairman’s column

“Advocacy: Protecting the Campfires”

The past 45 days have been among the most active periods of advocacy in recent memory for RVDA of Canada. From Parliament Hill in Ottawa to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., your association has worked to ensure Canadian RV dealers are heard by policymakers. Our message is simple: the RV industry is not m l li it i th

employeeswhohelpCanadians connectwiththeoutdoors,their families,andtheircommunities.

Lastmonth,wewereinOttawafor ourannualHillDay,meetingwith MembersofParliament,ministerial staff,andkeydecision-makersto speakabouttheimportanceofthe RVindustryinCanada Wetalked abouteconomicimpact,jobs, tourism,andtheimportanceofa policyenvironmentwheresmall andmedium-sizedbusinessescan continuetoinvest,hire,andgrow.

Ourpre-budgetsubmissionreinforcedthoseconversations withdataandpracticalrecommendations,outliningissues includingaffordability,taxation,transportation,workforce challenges,regulatorypressures,andtheneedforpolicies thatsupportstabilityandconsumerconfidence.

OneofthehighlightsofourOttawameetingswasthe opportunitytomeetwithPrimeMinisterMarkCarney.This wasasignificantmilestoneforRVDAofCanadaanda reflectionofourindustry’sgrowingnationalprofile.Itgave usthechancetospeakdirectlyabouttheRVsector,the businesseswerepresent,andthefamiliesand communitiesconnectedtoourindustry.

From Ottawa, our advocacy efforts continued in Washington, D.C., during RVs Move America Week. While there, we participated in the U.S. RVDA board meeting, met with the Canadian RV Coalition, joined trade discussions at the Canadian Embassy, and walked the halls of Capitol Hill alongside RVIA and U S RVDA members to meet with Senators and Members of Congress.

Our visit also included a meeting at the Canadian Embassy, a first for RVDA of Canada This meaningful step allowed us to brief officials on our sector’s priorities, trade concerns, and North American footprint, opening important new doors for advocacy.

Chairman’s column

Whatstoodoutmostwashowsimilartheconversationswereineveryroom.

WhetherinOttawaorWashington,affordabilityremainsachallenge,andtradediscussionsandtariff concernscontinuetocreateuncertaintyformanufacturers,dealers,suppliers,andcampground operators.Businessesarelookingforstabilityastheymakedecisionsaboutinventory,investments, staffing,andgrowth.

ThatiswhytraderemainssuchanimportantfocusforRVDAofCanada.

TheNorthAmericanRVindustrydoesnotoperateinsilos Componentscrosstheborder Finishedunits crosstheborder.Familiescrosstheborder.Manufacturers,suppliers,dealers,campgrounds,lenders, transporters,andcustomersareallconnectedthroughamarketbuiltoverdecades.

CanadaremainsthelargestexportmarketforU.S.-builtRVs,andthatrelationshipmattersdeeplyto Canadiandealers.Anydisruptiontoproducts,parts,ortradeaffectspricing,inventory,affordability, confidence,andmostimportantly,thepeoplebehindeverybusinessinourindustry

Aspartoftheseconversations,Ichallengedindustryleadersandpolicymakerstocontinueadvocating forourdealersandmanufacturers,particularlywhenitcomestopreservingtheNorthAmericanRV market.Open,fair,andpredictabletradeisessentialtoourindustry’shealthandcompetitiveness.Butit isalsoaboutremindingdecision-makerswhatthisindustrytrulyrepresents.

Acampfirebringspeopletogether.Itrepresentsfamily,friendship,travel,tourism,community,and timespentoutdoors.Itrepresentsthememoriesourcustomersaretryingtocreatewhentheywalkinto ourdealershipsandthereasonsomanyofusenteredthisindustryinthefirstplace.

ThatistheroleRVDAofCanadacontinuestoplayonyourbehalf.

Iwanttoexpressmysinceregratitudetoeveryonewhoparticipatedintheseefforts,includingour staff,partners,CCRVA,theCanadianRVCoalition,RVIA,U.S.RVDA,andtheassociationleaderswho welcomedussogenerouslyinWashington.

Protectingthisindustryisnotjustaboutunits,tariffs,ortradeagreements.

Itisaboutprotectingthecampfiresandthosesittingaroundthem.

Sincerely,

2025 Annual Economic Review RVDA of Canada

CanadianEconomicOutlook

UStariffsandtheunpredictabilityoffuturetradearrangementsaredisruptingtheCanadian economy.GrowthinCanadaisexpectedtoremainmodest,whileinflationstayscloseto2%.

TheCanadianeconomicoutlookislittlechangedsincetheOctoberReport.Canadacontinues toadjusttoanewtradelandscape.Affectedbusinessesarereconfiguringtheirtradeand seekingnewsuppliersandmarkets.Asthisadjustmentproceeds,capitalwillstartbeing reallocatedandsomeworkerswillshiftintonewrolesThisadjustmentwilltaketime,and growthwillberestrainedthroughthetransition.

Uncertaintyremainshigh.Theworldisbecomingmorefragmented,andgeopoliticalrisks areelevated.ForCanada,thefutureoftradeinNorthAmericaisanimportantuncertainty withtheUSMCArenewalin2026andlackofagreementsforotherrecentlyimposedtariffs onselectgoods.

Canadianretailsalesstatisticsarenowavailable forbothmotorizedandtowablerecreational vehicles.

Thesestatisticswillallowdealerstobetter managetheinventoryontheirlotbyknowing whichunitsaresellingintheirarea,whichprice pointsareattractingbuyersaswellasknowing thelocaltrendsaffectingtheir marketplace.

RVDA Hill Day 2026: A Unified Voice for the Future of RVing and Camping

WelaunchedHillDay2026witha clearmandateandasophisticated advocacystrategy.Thedaybegan withahigh-levelboardmeeting whereindustryleadersalignedon ourcoreobjectives,ensuringa seamlesstransitionfrominternal planningtoactiveengagementon ParliamentHill.Byidentifying specificlegislativehurdlesand quantifyingoursector'simmense economicfootprint,we establishedadefinitiveroadmap fortheday’smeetings with

federaldecision-makers. Oursuccesshingesonaunified front.Forouradvocacyto resonate,everyindustryleader mustadvocateforthefullbreadth ofthesector’schallenges from complextaxreclassificationsto internationaltradebarriers withoutcompromisingindividual priorities.

To project our voice across the country, Ken Dobson (RVDA of Canada) and Ellie AbucayGiammattolo (CCRVA) led a national press conference. This event served as our primary vehicle for reinforcing the industry’s three critical pillars:

FairTradeunderCUSMA: Protectingthesupplychains where95%ofinventoryisNorth American-made.

InfrastructureInvestment:

ModernizingourNationalParks andprioritizinggridelectrification tosupportthetransitiontoelectric recreationalvehicles.

SupportforSkilledWorkers: Addressingthecriticaltechnician shortagebymakingeducationand certificationmoreaccessible.

The press conference ensured our message reached beyond the halls of government, framing our priorities as essential for small business viability, consumer choice, and the continued growth of Canadian tourism

We stood before Parliament notas a collection of separate interests, but as a cohesive and essential pillar of the Canadian economy, demonstrating the professional solidarity required to protect the interests of dealers and campground operators alike.

Bringing the Industry to Life: The Sparks Street Activation

BythemorningofApril30th,we transformedSparksStreetintoa vibrant,pedestrian-friendly gatewaytotheCanadianoutdoors. Thisactivationservedasatangible bridgebetweenabstractpolicyand thelivedexperienceofmillionsof Canadians.Byfeaturingmodern units,weallowedMembersof Parliamenttostepoutoftheir officesandintotheRVlifestyle. Thedisplaywashighlyinteractive, featuringlifestyleelementslikea marshmallowroastings whereofficials,includin Fry,engageddirectlywi realityofthecampinge Thiswasn’tjustadispla invitation.Thisdisplayw educationalpowerhous groundingour"Asks"in realityofoureconomic contribution.

Weusedthisplatformto officialsthatourindustr

massiveeconomicengine, contributing:

16.2billionannuallytoCanada’s GDP Supporting141,400jobs Generating9.2billioninlabour income

With$103billionintourism-related expendituresannually,wemadeit clearthatprotectingthissectoris aboutprotectingaCanadianway oflife ensuringthatexploring Canada’sbackyardremainsaccessible toeveryfamily

Advocacy in Action: By the Numbers

The 2026 Hill Day was a masterclass in unified industry voice, reflected in the sheer volume of our engagement:

Hill Day 2026 concluded with an extraordinary opportunity to engage at the highest level of government, Prime Minister Mark Carney. Bringing the priorities of the RV and camping industries —from skilled trades to small business taxation to the "head of government" was a watershed moment for our sector. This engagement underscores the industry's reach and the growing recognition of the RV and camping sector as a vital economic lever.

The following table outlines the specific legislative and regulatory corrections required to ensure the long-term health of our industry:

Click link to view / download the file

Beyond the Hill

WhileHillDaylastsonly24hours,the commitmenttothe141,400Canadians whosejobsdependonthisindustryisa year-roundmission.

Werepresentmorethanjustsalesand rentals;werepresentthe93.3million nightsCanadiansspendunderthestars eachyear.

OurworkontheHillensuresthatwhena familyhitchesuptheirtrailerorpacks theirvan,theroadaheadisaffordable, theparksaremodern,andthe"freedom oftheoutdoors"remainsarealityfor everyone.ThecampfireonSparks Streetmayhavebeenpackedaway,but thewarmthofouradvocacycontinues tolightthewayfortheindustry’sfuture. Wehavemadeourvoiceheard;now,we continuethework.

From L to R: Ken Dobson, MP Rob Moore, Katharine Privettr, Chardell Brydon, Bruce Snow
( L) PM Mark Carney (R ) Gerry Haracsi

TheenergyattheToronto EnercareCentrewas absolutelyelectricfromMay 28to29,astheSkillsCanada NationalCompetition(SCNC) tookcenterstage.Asthe country'sonlynational, multi-tradeandtechnology competitionforstudentsand apprentices,SCNCbrings togetherCanada’sbestto competeforthetitleof nationalchampionintheir respectivedisciplinesandto moveontocompeteonthe worldstage.

Aswithpastevents,thisyear’s wasanothermassivesuccess, featuring:

Over500competitors representingeveryregion ofCanadaacross45 distinctcompetition categories.

Anexpectedturnoutof roughly10,000visiting studentsfromacross Ontario.

Adiversegatheringof stakeholdersfromindustry, labor,government, education,andthenonprofitsector.

Morethan50interactive Try-A-Trade®and Technologyactivities, givingyouthvitalhands-on experiencetodiscoverwhat acareerintheskilledtrades istrulyabout.

Amongtheseinteractive highlights,theRVCareers showcasecapturedthe imaginationofovera thousandstudentsby bridgingthegapbetweenthe freedomoftheoutdoorsand arewardingprofessional future.

The RV Careers Showcase: Crafting a Career Journey

Ourbooththisyearfeaturedanall-new,deeplytactile experiencecenteredaroundthetheme:"Plan theJourney.BuildtheCareer."

Attendeeshadtheopportunitytodesigntheirown personalizedwoodenpersonaljourneyboards,tailoredfor dailytasks,weeklyactivities,orultimatelong-term adventurelists Usingpyrography(wood-burning) techniquesandcreativedesign,studentsdevelopedtheir veryownvisionboardtoguidethemthroughshort-term orlong-termcareerorpersonalgoals.

Beyondthefunofcrafting,thisactivityservedasa directmetaphorforhowtheRVindustryactuallyoperates.Todoanyjobwellinoursector whetheritisservicescheduling,partsordering,diagnostics,ormanagingcustomertimelines itrequiresprecisedaily,weekly,monthly,andannualplanning.

A Taste of the RV Lifestyle

AnchoringourdisplaywasabeautifulProliteEvasiontrailer,proudlymanufacturedrightherein CanadaandsuppliedbyCampkin’sRVCentreinWhitby,ON.Itwasamassivehit.Whilesome studentshadcampedbefore,manyhadneversteppedinsideamodernRV.Visitorswerewideeyedtoseethelevelofcomfortandtechnologypackedintothetrailer,andtheywereevenmore surprisedtolearnwhathappensbehindthescenes.

Forinstance,mostwereshockedtodiscoverthatacertifiedRVtechnicianmustpossessa workingknowledgeofupto27differentskilledtrades.Itquicklybecamecleartothestudents thatthereisavastecosystemofcareertracksavailable fromtechnicalserviceandparts managementtosales,marketing,andcorporateoperations.Asoneeducatoraptlyremarked, “TheretrulyisajobforeverypassionandskillsetintheRVindustry.”

Insights from the Front Lines

Engagingwithyouthatthislevelrequiresdedicated industrypartners,andwewerethrilledtohave fantasticsupporton-site.

DaveNewman,SalesManageratOutdoorTravelin Beamsville,ON,sharedhisimpressionsafter participatingwiththeRVCareersteamforthefirst time:"Iverymuchenjoyedparticipatinginthe event.IseehugebenefitstotheRVindustrybeing involvedwitheventslikethis.Betweenthestudents, otherexhibitorsandthecompetitorsalike,it becomesapparenthowlittleoverallisknownabout theRVindustryinscopeandopportunity Ihadnot expectedsomeofthestudentstobesoyoung.But, withouttargetingthemateventslikethis,theRV industrywouldlikelynotbeontheirradar.”

RegularindustrycontributorJamieRussell,owner ofJR'sMobileRVServiceinKingston,ON,wasalso onhand.Highlypassionateaboutprofessionalizing theRVtechnicalworkforce,Jamienotedhow inspiringitwastoseesomanystudentsgenuinely keentolearnaboutthevariouscareerprospects waitingfortheminthesector.

"TheSkillsCanadaNationalCompetitionwasan incredibleexperience,withthousandsofstudents exploringtradesandcareeropportunitiesfrom acrossthecountry.

Wemetstudentsandteachersfromasfarawayas NewfoundlandandtheYukonwhoweregenuinely interestedinlearningabouttheRVtrade.Many teachersweresurprisedtodiscoverthatRV serviceisarecognizedskilledtrade,whilemany studentswereseeingatraveltrailerupclosefor thefirsttimeandhadnoideathatcareersinRV repairevenexisted.Theshowcaseprovideda

valuable opportunity to introduce both students and educators to the skills, technology, and expertise required to keep recreational vehicles on the road. It was a fantastic way to promote our trade and industry,” said Jamie.

Ahead

Looking Ahead: Developing Tomorrow's

The incredible momentum generated at SCNC 2026 perfectly aligns with our ongoing provincial efforts to strengthen the workforce pipeline. The Ontario RVDA (ORVDA) continues to place a fierce focus on workforce development initiatives that support both our current technical workforce and the next generation entering the industry.

To bridge this gap, ORVDA is currently pioneering a brand-new RV technician training program in Ontario that blends industry-focused technical education with hands-on learning.

(L) Jamie Russell (R) Natalie Conway

Anticipatingaphasedimplementationbeginningin2027, thishybridprogramwilloffertwolevelsoftraining deliveredthroughamixofonlineandin-personmodules. Crucially,theupdatedcurriculumwillaligndirectlywith currentpropanetrainingandexaminationstandards,with thepropanecomponenteventuallybecomingfully integratedintothemainprogram.Itisamassivestep forwardthatisspecificallytailoredtomeettheevolving needsofourdealerships,workingtechnicians,andfuture students.

Watch the full interview with Anita Lien during the competition as she discusses the ways RVDA of Canada is supporting technicians and promoting RV Careers here

Grassroots awareness events like SCNC and other skilled trades focused career exploration fairs are where the spark of career curiosity begins By showing young people that they already have the creative and planning skills to lead our industry we are securing a bright future for the Canadian

WatchthesizzlereelonalltheactionattheRVCareerShowcase. Thankyoutoallthevolunteers,students,educators,andpartnerswhomadethe2026showcase anunforgettableexperience.WecannotwaittobringtheRVCareersjourneytoCalgary,AB,for SCNC2027!

or if you’re a Federated customer, you can contact your Commercial Insurance Specialist with any questions.

Leadership

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: AUGUST 31, 2026

Stolenvehiclesdisguisedwithfakeidentities(e.g.,clonedVINs)arecirculatinginthe Stolenvehiclesdisguisedwithfakeidentities(e.g.,clonedVINs)arecirculatinginthe Canadianmarket,yetonly38%ofCanadianbuyersevenunderstandwhatVINfraudis. Canadianmarket,yetonly38%ofCanadianbuyersevenunderstandwhatVINfraudis. For For dealers,thisknowledgegaprepresentsbothaseriousriskandarealopportunitytostand dealers,thisknowledgegaprepresentsbothaseriousriskandarealopportunitytostand outasatrustedpartner. outasatrustedpartner.

WhatIsVINFraud? WhatIsVINFraud?

VINfraudinvolvestamperingwithavehicle'sVINtoconcealitstrueidentity most VINfraudinvolvestamperingwithavehicle'sVINtoconcealitstrueidentity commonlythrough commonlythroughVINcloning VINcloning..Todothis,criminalsharvestlegitimateVINs,manufacture Todothis,criminalsharvestlegitimateVINs,manufacture counterfeitplatesandfalsifieddocumentation,stealamatchingvehicle,thensellitto counterfeitplatesandfalsifieddocumentation,stealamatchingvehicle,thensellitto unsuspectingbuyers,sometimesthroughdealerships. unsuspectingbuyers,sometimesthroughdealerships.

BuyerAwareness BuyerAwareness

Forbuyers,theconsequences Forbuyers,theconsequences canbesevere,includingvehicle canbesevere,includingvehicle seizure,insuranceproblems, seizure,insuranceproblems, significantlyreducedresalevalue, significantlyreducedresalevalue, andaninabilitytosellortradein. andaninabilitytosellortradein.

Many of your customers rely on pickup

Many of your customers rely on pickup trucks for towing, and pickups are among trucks for towing, and pickups are among the most frequently cloned vehicles in the most frequently cloned vehicles in Canada. A customer who unknowingly A customer who unknowingly purchases a cloned truck risks losing the a cloned truck risks losing the vehicle they depend on to enjoy their RV. vehicle they depend to enjoy their RV.

It's also worth noting that you and your staff face these same risks as private vehicle

It's risks owners, making VIN fraud awareness personally valuable as well. owners, valuable

Customer Support Centre. . ► Watch the webinar on “ ► Watch the webinar on “Protecting Your Protecting Your Dealership From Auto Fraud and Vin Dealership From Auto Fraud and Vin Cloning Cloning.”

NOVEMBER 9- 13, 2026

Best-sellingauthorandexecutiveadvisorCurtSteinhorst willdeliverthekeynoteaddressduringtheTuesday generalsessionofthe2026RVDealersConvention/Expo onNov.10atParisLasVegas.

\ Duringhiskeynotepresentation,“CanIHaveYour Attention?ReachtheDistractedCustomer,”Steinhorst willexplorehowtoday’sincreasinglydistractedbuyers arereshapingthewaydealershipsmustapproachsales, marketing,andmessaging

The RVDA is warning members and industry partners about industry ongoing phishing campaigns and email scams. Fraudsters email are falsely claiming to represent to the RVDA or third-party travel agencies to book November convention hotels in Las Vegas. Curt Steinhorst to Deliver Keynote Address at 2026

ServiceManagement Guide(New12 Edition)th

th th

The new 12 The new 12 edition of the RV Learning edition of the RV Learning Center’s “Service Management Guide” Center’s “Service Management Guide”

(a flat rate manual) has been completely (a fl rate completely updated with more product and model updated with more product and model times, plus management guidance that times, plus management can helps service departments improve can helps service improve their daily operations. their daily operations.

Theguideoffersmorethan100pagesof averageworkunittimesforthefunctions thatRVtechniciansperformmostoften, alongwithchecksheetsthatserveas referencesforservicemanagersand technicians.

TheSMGprovidesreasonableguidance onthetimerequiredforcompetent technicianstocompleteassignedtasks. It’sanimportantpartoftheservice managementsystembutisn’tintendedto bethesoledeterminantofpricesorrates charged.

RVDA OF CANADA ENDORSEMENTS

http://www.kycs.ca/

www.fedex.ca.

Introducing member benefit from John Deere to RVDA of Canada

RVDA of Canada members are now eligible for an upgraded John Deere Rewards membership which unlocks extra discounts on equipment, parts and merchandise. Enroll today! It’s simple , fast & free. Check JohnDeere.ca/rvda

Marks: Discounts (in-store) on select workwear Discountsandoffersfortopattractions

BOARDOFDIRECTORS

ExecutiveCommittee

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EN- June 2026 RVDA Newsletter by RV Dealers Association of Canada - Issuu