Oct 8, 2019

NMMA Canada operates an ongoing government relations program on behalf of Canada’s marine industry including the Day On The Hill direct lobby efforts.

Since the release of the Liberals’ pre-election platform (including their proposed ‘luxury tax’), NMMA Canada and the various marine trades associations have been in extensive discussions to determine the various options available to us in terms of advocacy.

Because Canada is in the midst of the election campaign, we need to proceed carefully, especially in light of the new Third-Party Advertising rules which are in effect for the first time for this election. Under these rules, we could trigger the requirements to register as a third-party even if we are communicating with members about this issue and do not mention the Liberals or Justin Trudeau by name. 

Also, as we know from past experience, many things are included in party platforms during an election that never end up being pursued.  The ‘luxury tax’ suggestion is definitely concerning and we need to treat it seriously, and we will be able to aggressively lobby against it once the election is over, on the assumption the Liberals are re-elected.

In the meantime, NMMA is in the process of doing the following: 

• Communicating directly with key people on the Liberal campaign (those involved in drafting the policy announcements, and those who authored the platform) voicing our concern around the negative impact a luxury tax (as it’s currently explained) would have on our industry, and committing to coming back to a Liberal government immediately after the election to discuss matters further and to highlight our strong disagreement with this approach. We would also of course, take our concerns to the opposition parties, which have an even louder voice in a minority Parliament, and this seems to be a likely scenario at this point.

• Communicate directly with the key incumbent MPs in the major recreational boating ridings, with the same message. 

If you would like to discuss how you can help at the grassroots level, or if you would like to know more about our messaging, please feel free to contact Sara Anghel directly for guidance on how to proceed.

Sara Anghel, President NMMA Canada, sanghel@nmma.org or 905-951-4048