From the left: Chris Chapman, Volvo Penta Canada, Chris Hawkins, Yamaha Motor Canada, Patrick Pereira, NMMA Canada, Rick Layzell, Boating Ontario, Rodier Grondin, Princecraft, Krista Sparkes, Smoker Craft Boats, Jan Villem De Jong, Neptunus Yachts, Richard Straka, Mercury Marine, Jesse Davis, Legend Boats, Marie-France Mckinnon, Executive Director of NMMA Canada, Thomas Medri, Regal Boats, Cameron Taylor, Working Capital, Kent Beckham, Kingfisher Boats, Josée Côté, Nautisme Quebec. Absent – Marc-Andre Deschenes, Bombardier Recreational Products.

July 1, 2025

On June 18 & 19, CMRA proudly joined NMMA Canada and fellow industry leaders in Ottawa for the annual Day on the Hill - a key advocacy event that brings the voice of recreational boating directly to Canada’s decision makers. 
 
The event serves as the official kickoff to Canada’s boating season and an essential platform to strengthen ties with Parliamentarians, advance industry priorities, and highlight the economic and cultural value of boating across the country. 
 
Advocating for What Matters 
 
During the event, NMMA Canada members – including CMRA – met with Members of Parliament from all parties to discuss critical industry issues such as: 

            • Priority # 1 – Repealing the federal luxury tax 

            • Building awareness of impacts if a counter measures tariff is enacted 

 
As proud sponsors, both CMRA & Boating Ontario’s presence reaffirmed our commitment to pushing for smart, forward-looking policy that supports marinas, boat dealers, manufacturers, and the broader marine industry. 
 
Building Stronger Relationships 
 
Over the course of two days of meetings, Day on the Hill delegates were met with positive conversations and an engaged willingness to listen from government officials.  
 
Day on the Hill included a well-attended reception for Parliamentarians and staffers – an engaging evening that celebrated our sector and helped build stronger connections between industry stakeholders and government decision-makers. Over 150 officials attended the reception on the historic Rideau Canal and were treated to demo boat rides. 

About CMRA;  
As the voice of all aspects of retail in Canada’s recreational marine industry, CMRA members represent over 800 member companies across the country. CMRA was formed to create a cohesive and constructive national voice for advocacy issues on behalf of the recreational boating sector. 

For more information about the Canadian Marine Retailers Association email info@canadianmarineretailers.ca.