A Special Report from RVDA of Canada
Canadian RV Dealer of the Year
We are pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 Walter Paseska Canadian RV Dealer of the Year Award. Presented in partnership with RV Lifestyle Magazine and RV Lifestyle Magazine’s RV Dealer News, this prestigious award recognizes outstanding leadership, commitment, and dedication within the Canadian RV industry.
We invite submissions from across the country to help us honour a dealer who exemplifies excellence in business practices, community involvement, and support for the RVDA and the industry at large.
If you know someone whom you feel deserves to be recognized with this award, please submit your nomination(s) to the RVDA of Canada office.
RVDA of Canada Board
The RVDA of Canada held its last meeting on July 10th. Along with reviewing our government relations strategy, our annual budgets, the board also updated its strategic plan including our mission and vision. For your information we have included these below.
Mission: The RVDA of Canada is a national federation dedicated to advocating, protecting, and promoting the interests of RV dealers across Canada, enabling the industry to reach its full potential.
Vision: The RVDA of Canada focuses on issues of common concern that affect and benefit RV dealers nationwide. It provides support to provincial and regional RVDAs on issues with potential national impact. Additionally, the RVDA of Canada considers supporting provincial and regional RVDAs on important local issues upon written request to the RVDA of Canada Board of Directors.
Goals
- Advocacy
The RVDA of Canada is a recognized and influential voice in industry policy, government relations, and public affairs, proactively advocating for policies that support the collective interests of RV dealers across Canada.
- Education
The RVDA of Canada plays a vital role in raising awareness, expanding the skilled workforce, and enhancing the profile of RV industry professionals through the delivery of accessible, nationally recognized, and digitally integrated training programs, thereby improving dealer performance and long-term industry growth.
- Member Support and Industry Insights
The RVDA of Canada supports RV dealers with valuable services, cost-saving programs, and industry research, providing essential resources to enhance their business operations.
- Industry Collaboration
The RVDA of Canada actively collaborates with industry partners to address shared challenges and create opportunities that strengthen the RV sector. Through open dialogue and strategic partnerships, the association works to support long-term industry growth.
- Organizational Excellence
The RVDA of Canada is a dynamic national organization dedicated to continuous improvement, strengthening its structure, policies, and resources to support and engage RV dealers nationwide.
Canadian Counter Tariff Measures
We were excited to announce a landmark victory for the Canadian RV dealer body. The Government of Canada has officially granted a remission of surtaxes on motorhomes imported from the United States, as outlined in the United States Surtax Order (Motor Vehicles 2025). The full text of the Remission Order was published on July 16, 2025.
This crucial decision eliminates the 25% surtax that was applicable to a wide range of new and used motorhomes, providing immediate and significant financial relief to dealers and helping to stabilize inventory costs for consumers.
We are thrilled that the government has recognized the unique nature of the RV market and the undue burden these surtaxes placed on our dealerships and consumers. This remission is a testament to the power of a unified voice and the importance of persistent advocacy. It allows our members to operate on a level playing field and ensures that Canadian families can continue to affordably enjoy the RV lifestyle.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has designated a specific special authorization code (25-0466N) for dealers to use on customs declarations to claim relief from the surtax at the time of import. Procedures are also in place for dealers to apply for refunds on surtaxes already paid on qualifying inventory.
Moving forward, we are also continuing to work with the CRVA, and the RV Industry Association (RVIA) to ask the US government to reciprocate and remove tariffs from Canadian-made RVs being imported into the US.
Government Relations
Summer grassroots advocacy
As Parliament breaks for the summer, the RVDA of Canada is turning its attention to grassroots advocacy with a focus on connecting members with Members of Parliament in their regions. These local meetings are a powerful way to keep our issues visible, build relationships, and ensure decision-makers understand the realities facing RV dealers across the country.
Over the coming weeks, we will be working to identify and engage with key MPs whose ridings overlap with dealership locations. These elected officials, regardless of party affiliation, play an important role in shaping the political conversations that unfold in Ottawa. By connecting them directly with local businesses and their communities, we can reinforce the value of the RV industry and highlight the specific challenges our sector is facing, from supply chain uncertainty to cross-border trade and affordability concerns. This is especially interesting this year as there are new MPs willing to interact and that have little to no insight into this industry.
Prebudget Submission to the Standing Committee of Finance
RVDA OF CANADA RECOMMENDATIONS
1: RVDA of Canada recommends that the federal government develop and fund a national skilled trades strategy in partnership with the provinces, to ensure affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that meet the needs of the RV industry and tourism sectors.
2: RVDA of Canada recommends that the federal government increase its investments in the renewal and expansion of camping and tourism infrastructure in Parks Canada to meet rising demand and improve access to Canada’s diverse natural destinations.
3: RVDA of Canada recommends that the federal government amend the Excise Tax Act, to resolve the ambiguous application of Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax based on where the goods are released into Canada when imported.
4: RVDA of Canada urges the federal government to amend the Income Tax Act to classify small, family-run campgrounds as active businesses eligible for the small business tax deduction.
2025 Skills Canada National Competition
The 2025 Skills Canada National Competition was a resounding success, demonstrating exceptional organization and student engagement. Our RV Careers booth, supported by dedicated volunteers from Affordable Trailer Sales, RVDA of SK, SAIT, and Village RV, proved highly popular. The hands-on activity, which allowed many students to use power tools for the first time, generated significant enthusiasm.
Key Highlights
Students and educators alike were deeply engaged throughout the event, with many expressing genuine enthusiasm for the hands-on RV building activity. The interactive nature of the experience sparked curiosity and creativity, leading to lively discussions and a strong sense of accomplishment among participants.
Our booth drew considerable attention, attracting notable figures from both the trades and media. Among them was Sherry Holmes of Make It Right, who not only took part in the activity but also shared her experience with her extensive online following. Her post highlighted the importance of skilled trades in the RV industry and generated meaningful buzz across social media platforms. Sherry also extended an invitation to feature RV Careers in a blog post which can be found on the Make It Right website.
The event also caught the eye of AboutCamp BtoB, a prominent international publication focused on the global RV and camping industry. Their coverage underscored the growing interest in engaging youth and newcomers through immersive, skill-based initiatives.
Additionally, our local volunteers—many of whom were participating for the first time—shared overwhelmingly positive feedback. They were impressed not only by the scale and organization of the event, but also by the high level of energy, collaboration, and enthusiasm shown by the students. Their experiences have sparked a strong desire to remain involved in future outreach efforts.
Registration is Now Open for the 2025 Trouble Shooter Clinic
The 2025 Trouble Shooter Clinic, hosted by RVDA of Canada, is heading to Calgary, AB from December 9-12, 2025
3.5 days of immersive, expert-led training designed to sharpen technicians’ skills, boost confidence, and earn you continuing education credits-all while learning directly from top suppliers in the industry.
🔧 What You Can Expect:
- Four curated training tracks (choose your preferred schedule)
- Expert-led instruction on the latest systems and equipment
- Real-world diagnostics and troubleshooting techniques
- Small-group sessions
- Networking opportunities with peers and suppliers
- Daily lunch and refreshment breaks included
- Certificate of Completion with CE credits
- Complimentary parking and Wi-Fi
- Digital course materials
- Hotel group rate available until November 18
📍 Location : DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North
🕒 Dates : December 9-12, 2025
💰 Member Rate : $1,150 + GST | Non-Member Rate : $1,500 + GST
🛠️ Please bring basic tools (screwdrivers, pliers, multimeter)
⚠️ Space is limited and schedules are filled on a first-come, first-served basis-register early to secure your preferred track.
This training event is proudly brought to you by RVDA of Canada. Learn more
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
