Canadian advocacy has been identified as a key strategic priority for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, the AEM announced in December.
“Canada is arguably the most important international actor for our industry, considering the
Photographer:Dan Bishop
Expanding advocacy services in Canada is a key strategic priority for our industry commented AEM president, Dennis Slater
number of equipment manufacturers, parts and service providers and customers who call Canada home,” AEM president Dennis Slater said in a news release. “Canada is also the leading export destination for manufacturers of construction and agricultural equipment in the United States. That is why our Board of Directors have identified expanding our advocacy services in Canada as a key strategic priority for our industry.”
In a reference to the uncertain future of the North American Free Trade Agreement, the association noted that the economic relationship between Canada and the U.S. is “at an especially pivotal juncture.” Renegotiating NAFTA is a top priority in Canada for the AEM, with the association continuing to engage the Canadian and U.S. governments the release said.
According to the AEM, equipment manufacturers support 149,000 jobs in Canada, contributing $15 billion US to the Canadian economy.
Nearly 90 Canadian companies — including original equipment manufacturers as well as parts and service providers — are AEM members.
U.S. construction equipment exports to Canada totalled $9.1 billion in 2015. In 2016, agricultural equipment manufacturers exports to Canada tallied $2.1 billion.
The steps AEM has taken to increase its advocacy in Canada included enpanelling a special working group of 18 Canadian member companies. Chaired by Skyjack Inc. president Brad Boehler, the working group met throughout 2017.
Earlier in 2017, the AEM organized a dinner for its board members at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. The association also ratcheted up its efforts in Ottawa by joining the Canadian American Business Council, meeting with various MPs, and helping to welcome U.S. Ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft at CABC’s State of the Relationship reception in November.
“I am thrilled to see AEM take a more active role in advocating on behalf of our industry in
Skyjack Inc. president Brad Boehler
Canada,” Boehler said in the news release. “Given AEM’s extensive policy expertise and connectivity with senior decision makers in both industry and government, the association is uniquely positioned to help companies of all sizes overcome legislative and regulatory issues impacting their economic growth.”
The AEM’s other Canadian advocacy priorities include agriculture policy, regulatory reform, infrastructure investment and workforce development.
Among the ways the AEM plans to increase its Canadian advocacy work in 2018 are to welcome Members of Parliament and government ministers to manufacturing facilities across the country “pushing pro-manufacturing polices in Parliament.”