Ottawa, Ontario, March 19, 2020
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In response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, governments at all levels have had to make difficult decisions about what constitutes an essential business, with those deemed non-essential being asked to temporarily shut down or reduce operating hours.
The Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada is asking the government that businesses throughout the aftermarket supply chain are designated as
Essential Businesses
.
The designation of businesses in the aftermarket supply chain as Essential Businesses is critical during this public health crisis. The aftermarket industry provides the public and organizations, including those that deliver emergency services and transport goods and people, with essential vehicle servicing. This ensures
the continued provision and delivery of already designated essential services, including fire and paramedic services, and the mobility of essential services workers.
As a result, the continued operation of businesses in the aftermarket industry is imperative for the safety and security of the Canadian public and transportation system. The capacity of auto shops to deliver essential vehicle servicing is dependent on their ability to procure vehicle replacement parts and supplies from the aftermarket supply chain.
“AIA Canada’s top priority during this unprecedented crisis is to ensure that the aftermarket industry is equipped to play a critical role in maintaining the safety and security of the Canadian public and transportation system,” said Jean-François Champagne, AIA Canada President.
Should businesses in the aftermarket be able to continue their operations, it will be critical that the industry comes together, with the government, to ensure that emergency operation plans are in place to protect workers in the industry and consumers.
At this time, AIA Canada is urgently asking our members to connect with us by contacting our
government relations team
to provide industry-specific information to be communicated to the government. The window of opportunity to communicate these needs and realities to government, before emergency measures and supports are introduced, is narrow.
