Representatives from the RV Dealers Association of Canada and the Canadian Camping and RV Council (CCRVC) visited Parliament Hill on May 2 to discuss the impacts of the steel and aluminum tariffs in the RV industry and the need for implementation of a fair tax regime for small private campgrounds across Canada.
With 95% of Canada’s RV products being imported from the U.S., steel and aluminum are major components for RV production and increased costs for either material, because of the current tariffs, have a significant impact on the affordability of Canadian products. North American RV dealers are reporting price increases resulting from imposed tariffs.
“We are advocating that the government of Canada maintain pressure on the U.S. to lift the steel and aluminum tariffs,” said Herb Cowen, chairman of the board of RVDA. “While Canada has started the process to ratify the CUSMA, the government should ensure that ratification in Canada hinges with the removal of these tariffs. … The government should also provide additional support the industries impacted by these tariffs.”
CCRVC continues to advocate the federal government to endorse change in the current income tax act or to enact other legislative changes that would clearly distinguish small family run campgrounds with less than 5 full time employees as an “active business” and thus eligible for the small business tax rate, according to the organization.
“As it stands, small campgrounds are faced with a potential 300% tax increase and remains to be a significant threat not only to small private campgrounds but also to the entire RV and camping industry,” said Robert Trask, CCRVC’s chairman. “A fair tax regime by the Canada Revenue Agency is critical for Canadian private campgrounds to make the necessary investment and infrastructural upgrades that enable Canadians and visitors alike to experience all that Canada has to offer.”