Automotive Retailers Association

10/06/2026

Reminder: Collision Industry Network Meeting is tomorrow!

Collision industry professionals, join us tomorrow, October 7, for our Industry Network Meeting. Connect with industry peers, share insights, and help shape the issues and priorities discussed at our ICBC Liaison meetings.

You’ll also have the opportunity to meet your new Industry Relations Advisor, Steve Wolfe.

Don’t miss it. Register today!

🗓️ October 7 (Tomorrow)
🕕 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍 https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/aNJYPMcuSK6k0SScngY5qQ #/registration

10/05/2026

We are almost at capacity! Spots are filling fast for the upcoming event. If you haven’t registered yet, now’s the time to secure your spot.

Register today - https://eventcamp.ca/event/lmd-and-mrd-fall-luncheon/access

From the showroom to the service bay, discover how CARFAX Canada supports both sides of the automotive industry.

CARFAX Canada will showcase its service suite and how its solutions can help dealerships and repair shops make informed decisions, build consumer confidence, and access valuable vehicle information.

We’ll also hear from our Group Benefits representative about resources available to ARA members. Enjoy lunch with fellow automotive professionals while learning about tools and resources available to support your business.

📅 October 20 | 11 AM–1 PM
📍 Great Canadian Casino Show Theatre, Coquitlam

Limited seating. Register before October 16.

Registration link: https://eventcamp.ca/event/lmd-and-mrd-fall-luncheon/access

10/01/2026

Attention collision industry professionals!

Join us for our Industry Network Meeting on October 7. These meetings provide a valuable opportunity to connect with industry experts, share insights, and drive progress in our field. Your participation is essential for shaping our ICBC Liaison meeting agendas, ensuring our collective voice is strong and heard. Let’s unite to elevate our standards and explore new opportunities through open dialogue and collaboration.

You’ll also have the opportunity to meet your new Industry Relations Advisor, Steve Wolfe. Register today!

Event Details

🗓️ October 7
🕕 11:00–12:00 PM
📍https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/aNJYPMcuSK6k0SScngY5qQ

09/30/2026

September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The ARA acknowledges the history and ongoing impacts of the residential school system on Indigenous peoples in Canada, and recognizes the importance of this day for survivors, families, and communities.

As an association that has had the opportunity to gather across B.C. and hear from Indigenous leaders, including Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band, the ARA recognizes the importance of listening, learning and understanding the history and perspectives of Indigenous communities.

Today, we reflect on the importance of reconciliation and the work that continues beyond September 30.

09/24/2026

From the showroom to the service bay, discover how CARFAX Canada supports both sides of the automotive industry.

CARFAX Canada will showcase its service suite and how its solutions can help dealerships and repair shops make informed decisions, build consumer confidence, and access valuable vehicle information.

We’ll also hear from our Group Benefits representative about resources available to ARA members. Enjoy lunch with fellow automotive professionals while learning about tools and resources available to support your business.

📅 October 20 | 11 AM–1 PM
📍 Great Canadian Casino Show Theatre, Coquitlam

Limited seating. Register before October 16.

Registration link: https://eventcamp.ca/event/lmd-and-mrd-fall-luncheon/access

09/22/2026

The BC NDP has dissolved the legislature and called a provincial election for October 24.

The ARA will continue to advocate on behalf of our members and industry. We work with all parties and will ensure the issues facing our members are clearly addressed and communicated. As always, the ARA works with government and will remain a trusted voice and advocate for our industry, helping ensure the BC economy remains strong and resilient.

Now is the time for all business owners to engage with their local candidates and speak to your needs. Candidates want to hear from their constituents, will listen, and will remember those conversations when in office. We encourage everyone to reach out, share your concerns, and make your voice heard.

09/22/2026

Following concerns raised by ARA members about claims handling, the ARA brought industry feedback forward through ongoing discussions with UniBan, Family Insurance, and Definity Insurance.

Those discussions resulted in changes to payment timelines, pricing, labour rates, approval thresholds, calibration allowances, and the claims escalation process.

Average payment timelines have been reduced from approximately 20–30 days to eight days, alongside improvements to pricing, labour reimbursement, and other key claims processes.

Read the full update from the ARA's Steve Wolfe to see whats changed, how the escalation process works, and what additional improvements are underway.

Written by Steve Wolfe Following the transition of Family Insurance claims handling to UniBan, automotive glass businesses across British Columbia began sharing concerns with the ARA regarding payment delays, pricing practices, labour rates, and claims administration processes. As similar concerns e...

09/21/2026

What a way to celebrate 75 years of the ARA! Together, we raised $37,500 for ARFI at this year’s Members Retreat & Gala Fundraiser.

From another successful year for the Pedal Car Challenge to our sold-out Diamond Earring Raffle, it was a fantastic weekend of fundraising and celebration.

Thank you to our members, sponsors, and the organizations that donated auction items. A special thank you to John McDonald and Marc Bergevin of OPENLANE for their support.

We appreciate everyone who helped make this year's fundraiser a success!

09/18/2026

The ARA applauds the federal government’s $880 million investment in paid skilled trades placements. Expanding access to hands-on experience is an important step toward strengthening Canada’s skilled trades workforce and supporting the next generation of automotive professionals.

The investment will also help apprentices pursuing Red Seal certification gain valuable on-the-job experience while building the skills needed for long-term careers in the trades. Creating stronger pathways into skilled trades is an important part of addressing workforce needs across the automotive industry.

09/16/2026

The ARA’s 75th Anniversary Members Retreat & Gala Fundraiser brought members together for meaningful conversations, strong connections and a celebration of 75 years of working together.

The Chairman’s Reception opened the first evening, setting the tone for a weekend of connection and celebration. From concurrent sessions with Sean Moorfield-Yee of MNP and Dave Cyr of Cyr Consulting, to our expert panel moderated by Darren Ulmer of Sun Life / White Owl Financial and Dr. Tom Deans’ keynote on succession planning, the program focused on issues that matter to our members and their businesses.

The weekend culminated with our Gala Evening, where we celebrated 75 years of the ARA, recognized membership milestones, raised an incredible amount for ARFI and paid special tribute to President & CEO Adrian Scovell ahead of his retirement at the end of the year. It was a fitting close to a significant anniversary weekend.

Thank you to our members, speakers, sponsors and guests for helping make this milestone celebration possible.