Following an intense campaign, Canada has re-elected a Liberal minority government after handing Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau enough seats in the 44th general election. According to the latest counts, the Liberals are at 159 seats (+2); the Conservatives 119 (-2); and the NDP at 25 (+1), meaning Canada once again faces a Liberal minority government.
For recreational boating stakeholders, the status quo provides more levers to influence policy as the Liberals need at least one other party to pass bills and spend money in Parliament. As NMMA Canada continues its countering of the luxury tax unveiled in the last federal budget, the team has begun proactive outreach to the various Ministers and their staff.
NMMA Canada has commissioned strong economic analysis that will bolster the case for scrapping the tax, showing the tax will ultimately harm good-paying jobs in the recreational boating industry. Similarly, NMMA Canada and the U.S. team are working together to bring attention to the harmful effects a luxury tax would pose to U.S. marine manufactures and small businesses among key congressional stakeholders in Washington, D.C., including United State Trade Representative Ambassador Tai.
As the new Parliament begins to take form, NMMA Canada is probing for additional information on the Liberal platform promise to devolve some regulation of boating on lakes and rivers to municipalities. The team continues to make the case for investments in outdoor recreation infrastructure and green technology.
For more information or questions, please contact Jim Wielgosz, Director of Provincial and Federal Government Relations, at jwielgosz@nmma.org
