Toronto, Ontario — Oct. 15, 2019 — AIA Canada will be absorbing the Canadian Independent Automotive Association (CIAA), which represents a number of repair facilities across Alberta.
Wayne Paulsen, CIAA president and owner of Kingsgate Automotive in Edmonton, Alberta said economic conditions had shrunk the association’s roles and frustrated its upcoming plans. CIAA recently approached the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) to discuss the possibility of shared resources and a closer relationship between the two organizations.
“We were existing, but what good is that for the members if we can’t do anything for them?” said Paulsen. “You can’t change the world if you don’t have the resources.”
AIA accepted CIAA’s members as part of its automotive service associate program (ASAP), heralding “a great new partnership” between the two associations.
“Continuing its ongoing efforts to strengthen the voice of automotive service providers across the country on both a provincial and national level, AIA Canada will offer CIAA members a broader platform to address the issues facing the automotive aftermarket,” said AIA president J. F. Champagne.
In a Facebook Live video, Champagne said the partnership would allow CIAA members to have a national voice, along with giving AIA Canada more engagement opportunities in Alberta.
CIAA was formed in 2004 with a mission to create a sustainable aftermarket sector while encouraging, supporting and promoting the advancement of its members. The association represents about 50 independent auto repair businesses across Alberta.
“We’ve had our victories,” said Paulsen. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished. We’re heading into a new chapter now.”
