RVDA of Canada Board
The RVDA of Canada’s most recent Board of Directors meeting was conducted virtually on July 15th as a measure of fiscal prudence.
At this meeting, the RVDA of Canada Board of Directors received key industry updates and also reviewed an analysis of federal relief options and advocacy opportunities for RV dealers facing the current demand downturn.
Recognizing the value of ensuring members understand the full landscape of available support, the Board has directed that educational materials be developed and made available to the membership. These materials are available to help dealers understand which existing federal programs they may already be eligible to access today, while the Association continues to advocate on their behalf for expanded and sector-specific relief measures — including loan guarantees and tax deferral programs — identified as priorities in this review.
Our next meeting will be held in conjunction with our convention in Las Vegas on November 9, 2026.
Government Relations
New Duties on Certain RV-Related Products
RVDA of Canada continues to monitor and assess the impact of Canada’s evolving tariff measures on products imported into Canada.
Following the latest changes effective September 8, 2026, there are three important developments for RV dealers to be aware of:
- RVs entering Canada remain exempt.
- Some RV-related products are now subject to tariffs.
- New support is available through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative.
RVs themselves continue to be exempt from the new September 8 counter-tariffs.
The new measures apply to specific goods identified by their HS tariff classification and U.S. origin, not simply because a product is sold for use in an RV. Canada’s official list identifies the specific tariff items subject to the new measures.
While RVs remain exempt, certain products commonly used in RVs may now be subject to additional surtax when they meet the applicable HS classification and U.S.-origin requirements.
The federal government’s list specifically includes products such as:
- Pump parts
- Air compressors and fans
- Air-conditioning equipment and related parts
- Electrical cable and conductors
- Refrigeration equipment, including certain equipment designed for recreational vehicles
The applicable tariff rate varies by tariff item. The key point is that the tariff treatment is determined by the product’s HS classification and country of origin, not by whether the product is intended for an RV. Dealers should work with their customs broker to confirm the HS classification and country of origin of products that may be affected before importing them.
Fixed Operations Online Courses
Top-performing service and parts departments don’t happen by accident — they’re built through training, and that’s exactly what the Mike Molino RV Learning Center offers dealership staff. Developed in partnership with The Ohio State University’s Center for Education and Training for Employment, these online courses give service and parts personnel the practical skills they need to work more efficiently, reduce Repair Event Cycle Time (RECT), and ultimately deliver the kind of experience that turns first-time customers into loyal, repeat ones.
Every role in the service and parts department shapes how a customer feels about their dealership experience, from the moment they drop off their RV to the moment they pick it up. That’s why the Learning Center offers dedicated courses for Service Writers/Advisors, Service Managers, Parts Specialists, Parts Managers, and Warranty Administrators — each tailored to the specific responsibilities and challenges of that position. Whether staff are managing customer communication, coordinating repair timelines, keeping parts inventory moving, or navigating warranty claims, these courses build the confidence and competence needed to do the job well.
Investing in this training pays off on both sides of the counter. For staff, it means clearer expectations, sharper skills, and a stronger sense of ownership over their role. For the dealership, it means faster repair cycles, fewer bottlenecks, and — most importantly — customers who trust that their RV is in capable hands. Encouraging your team to take advantage of these courses is a straightforward way to strengthen department performance and build the kind of loyalty that keeps customers coming back.
Courses Available
- Parts Specialist
- Parts Manager
- Service Writer/Advisor
- Service Manager
- Warranty Administrator
Dealership staff can explore and enroll in the courses here: Online Courses
2026 RV Troubleshooter Clinic
The 2026 program has attracted strong manufacturer support, with Dexter, Dometic, Lippert, and Airxcel confirmed as presenters. These industry-leading suppliers will deliver technical sessions focused on product updates, troubleshooting techniques, installation best practices, and common service challenges. The hands-on training and direct access to factory experts provide technicians with practical knowledge they can immediately apply in their dealerships, ultimately improving customer satisfaction and service quality.
The event is expected to attract technicians from across Atlantic Canada and other regions, continuing the Clinic’s reputation as one of the industry’s most valuable opportunities for technical education and professional development.
The Troubleshooter Clinic remains an important component of RVDA of Canada’s education strategy, supporting the development of a skilled workforce while helping dealerships address the increasing complexity of modern RV systems. By investing in high-quality technical training, the association continues to strengthen dealership service operations and reinforce its commitment to excellence throughout the Canadian RV industry.
For more information, please visit: https://www.rvcareers.ca/events/2026-trouble-shooter-clinic
New Endorsement Partnership: HR Covered
RVDA of Canada is pleased to announce a new endorsement partnership with HR Covered.
HR Resources Without the Heavy Lifting
HR is part of running a business. But knowing where to start, finding the right policies and forms, keeping up with changing workplace requirements and making sure your documentation is current can take a lot of time. And if you’re starting from scratch, there is an even bigger question: how do you know what you don’t know?
That’s why RVDA of Canada has partnered with HR Covered to give RVDA members access to practical HR resources and expertise at no charge. HR Covered supports more than 2,000 small businesses and NFPs across Canada, specializing in HR compliance, employment law and workplace safety documentation.
Three Ways HR Covered Can Help
- 1,000+ HR Documents, Policies and Forms
Get unlimited access to the HR Hub, with more than 1,000 up-to-date HR documents, policies and forms designed to comply with federal and provincial legislation.
RVDA member benefit: No charge | Regular value: $990/year
- Practical HR Webinars
Stay informed without having to become an HR expert. Explore upcoming webinars covering a variety of HR topics and register for the sessions most relevant to your dealership.
Featured: HR Fundamentals for Small, Medium-Size Businesses
- A Compliant HR Policy Manual, Created for You
Not sure whether your company’s policies are up to date or where to begin? Book a 30- to 45-minute virtual consultation with HR Covered. The consultation includes an HR compliance assessment, an overview of workplace requirements and a discussion of potential areas of risk.
HR Covered will then create a compliant policy manual for your business at no charge.
RVDA member benefit: No charge | Regular value: $1,500
Eleonore Hamm, President
Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada
Suite 145 – 11331 Coppersmith Way
Richmond, BC V7A 5J9
Tel: (604) 718-6325
email: eleonore_hamm@rvda.ca
www.rvda.ca www.rvcareers.ca
