On May 1, 2013, a group of more than 25 leaders from Canada’s recreational marine industry arrived on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to raise awareness for several of the most pressing issues affecting the boating industry. National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Canada board members and the heads of several marine trade associations gathered in the nation's capital to attend meetings with nearly two-dozen MPs from ridings across Canada, policy makers and members of Transport Canada.

NMMA Canada’s objective at last year’s Recreational Boating Day on the Hill was to strengthen the ties with members of government and policy makes in an effort to improve future relations with the government.  The second Recreational Boating Day on the Hill clearly built on the success from 2012.

This year, NMMA Canada had the new Economic Impact of Boating study to plainly define the size and importance of recreational boating in Canada. Each government official was given a package of information highlighting the scope of recreational boating and the positive impact our industry has on local employment, tourism and economic development. Most expressed that they were surprised by the economic impact that recreational boating is having on Canada's economy.

Other key messages the NMMA contingent delivered during their meetings with MPs and policy makers included the importance of maintaining the length of season and hours of operation for the waterways managed by Parks Canada; maintaining access to water in the face of low water levels on Georgian Bay and the Great Lakes; supporting Canada's tourism sector; reducing trade barriers for exporting Canadian-made marine goods into international markets; investing in infrastructure; and improving Canada/US regulatory cooperation.

Following the day of successful meetings, NMMA Canada hosted a reception for all Parliamentarians and their staff at Parliament Hill's East Block Courtyard, affording additional time to answer questions and emphasize the most important points.

With so many changes taking place today, the value of being seen and delivering the message about the economic value of recreational boating to the government was clear.

Photo Caption: Public Safety Minister Vic Toews (left) meets JF Rioux (right) from Yamaha Canada. MP Merv Tweed, former Chair of the Transportation Committee (second from left) and Pat Nelder of the Atlantic Marine Trades Association were among the large group who attended the NMMA Canada reception.