Written by: Chantal Nadeau-Cox

Emily Chung, first female President and CEO of AIA Canada, opened the conference with a deeply personal and forward-looking address. Grounding her leadership in lived experience, Emily Chung reflected on a volunteer trip to Thunder Bay, where she and her sons connected with Indigenous communities. This experience shaped her belief that reconciliation must move beyond words into meaningful action—an approach she now encourages across the automotive sector.

Emily Chung highlighted a pivotal year for Canada’s auto care industry, marked by regulatory change, economic uncertainty, and growing advocacy around the “right to repair.” With overwhelming industry support, she emphasized the need for national legislation to ensure accessibility, affordability, and competition for consumers.

A central theme of her vision is addressing the skilled labour shortage. She argued that solutions must begin earlier—engaging students at the high school level and supporting educators to keep pace with evolving automotive technology. She also underscored the importance of industry-wide collaboration, positioning AIA Canada as a vital bridge between businesses, government, and education.

With a strong call for unity, Emily Chung reaffirmed that no single sector can advance the industry alone. Through collective action and sustained advocacy, she believes Canada’s automotive aftermarket can build a more resilient and inclusive future.

Picture credit : AIA Canada