July 10, 2017

NMMA Canada has again secured funding from Global Affairs Canada to support the efforts of Canadian recreational marine manufacturers to expand their business internationally. We will receive more than $93,000 through the Global Opportunities for Associations (GOA) program which aims to provide opportunities for Canadian manufacturers to pursue business opportunities outside of Canada. GOA provides assistance across a wide range of sectors of the Canadian economy and matches funding of up to 50 percent of eligible expenses to support national associations for the benefit of the entire industry.

The first mission supported by the contribution in this new round was to attend and exhibit at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in Australia. Three Canadian boat manufacturers (Deep Trekker, Canada Metal Pacific Limited and Dock Edge) exhibited at the show and Sidewind Marine attended to walk the show and meet with potential new and existing distributors. The show ran from May 25–28 and featured 300 marine and luxury marques on display and attracted upwards of 40,000 visitors.

The second mission will support 10 Canadian manufacturers who will exhibit at the Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) in Amsterdam from November 14-16. METS will feature 1,471 exhibiting companies and is the world’s biggest and most visited B2B leisure marine equipment show.

Both these shows are tremendous opportunities for Canadian manufacturers to showcase their products and develop new business overseas. They are both prime markets for Canadian marine products and the funding provided by the federal government shows its commitment to the success of the boating industry in Canada.