Ottawa, ON. - April 26, 2023 - Representatives from the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada and the Canadian Camping and RV Council (CCRVC) visited Parliament Hill on April 26th to discuss the need for implementation of a fair tax regime for campgrounds across Canada and the need for increased investments in tourism policies and infrastructure upgrades.

RVing and camping is part of what makes us Canadian. Most of us had the chance, as children, to explore and visit the most incredible places and scenery this country has to offer. On top of that, our industry has a considerable economic impact that can be felt across the nation and especially in the rural parts of Canada. The manufacturing, purchasing, servicing and use of recreation vehicles contributes billions to the Canadian economy each year,” said Josée Bédard, chair of RVDA of Canada. “In fact, in 2022, the Canadian recreation vehicle industry, powered by more than 67,200 employees, generated more than $3.4 billion for the tourism sector, $1.9 billion in tax revenue and $2.7 billion in labour income. There are over 4,231 campgrounds across Canada, each offering an unique experience for Canadians and international visitors.” 

But the continued growth success of the RV and camping industry is not assured: 75% of campsites lack necessary services for RVs. The promotion of the RV sector and proper infrastructure in our existing parks are crucial to the growth of the RVing and camping industries, as well as a prosperous Canadian tourism sector. The RVing industry contributes billions to the national economy, but campgrounds across Canada require infrastructural improvements in order to accommodate new camping and RV technologies. 

“Our industry needs reassurance by the government that financial investments will be made to modernize campground and National Parks infrastructure to a level that satisfies the steady increase in demand”, said Ellie Abucay-Giammatollo, Chair of the Canadian Camping and RV Council. Without clear commitments from this government, our members will enter a new era for the tourism industry that is focused on clean energy, without having the proper electrification, transportation and connectivity infrastructure necessary to support this transition. This government must continue to provide financial supports to increase electrical infrastructure by providing financing and grants to businesses investing in the EV infrastructure.”

Finally, one of the chokepoints of the Canadian economy is the severe lack of skilled workers and tradespeople. Technicians play a central role in keeping RVs moving, and less than 50% of them have their Red Seal Designation. RV service technician apprenticeship training is currently only available in British Columbia and Alberta. Programs quickly reach full enrollment, leaving many qualified students on waiting lists.

“Every major economic sector in Canada is negatively affected by the labour shortage crisis, said Eleonore Hamm, President of RVDA of Canada. However, the RV and camping industry has been advocating for efficient, cost-limited solutions that could help business owners find the right people for the job. Industry-specific solutions, such as increasing the Labour Mobility Tax Grant availability to skilled trades peoples that are temporarily relocating to pursue their Red Seal certification, would greatly help our members in finding the quality technicians needed as our industry is being transformed by the day. Sustained tourism growth starts with people, and we request that the government work with us to find ways to recruit, train, and retain skilled workers"

"RV and Camping Awareness Day is an important annual event for the Canadian Camping and RV Council as it provides an opportunity to highlight the immense value and benefits that the RV and Camping industry brings to our country. This event serves as a platform to engage with government officials and decision makers to advocate for policies and initiatives that support the growth and sustainability of our industry. We are once again in Ottawa advocating for a fair tax regime for small Private Campgrounds who are currently classified as an Investment Business which threatens the ability of Canadian Campground Owners to claim the small business tax deduction" said Shane Devenish, Executive Director of the CCRVC.

"We are proud to be part of an industry that provides families and individuals with affordable, accessible, and enjoyable outdoor experiences, and we look forward to continuing to work with our Federal Government policy makers this week to ensure that Canadians can continue to enjoy the many benefits of RVing and Camping."

About RVDA of Canada

A national, volunteer federation of provincial and regional RVDA associations and their members, the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada is a professional trade association that works on behalf of all retail businesses involved in the recreation vehicle industry. Advocacy, professional development and industry initiatives are developed by members, for members and delivered on their behalf by the RVDA. For more information, visit www.rvda.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube @rvdaofcanada. 

ABOUT CCRVC:

The Canadian Camping and RV Council is a national, non-profit federation of the Provincial Campground Owners Associations, the RVDA of Canada and the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association. CCRVC is dedicated to the growth and development of the camping and RVing industry in Canada.

As part of a $6.1-billion-dollar RV and Camping Industry, Private Campgrounds in Canada not only make a considerable contribution to our economy but to the health and well being of Canadians. The RV sector also directly and indirectly supported an estimated 67,200 jobs and delivered $4.8 billion in added economic value to the Canadian economy from an initial expenditure of $6.2 billion during 2019.

Note to editors: For more information, news, and perspectives from CCRVC, please visit our website www.ccrvc.ca, and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Youtube.