Our History

Major trade negotiations took place in the 2010’s shaping the future of the automotive sector. With the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), The APMA was the most vocal industry organization in Canada on term negotiations by disrupting momentum to eliminate protections for Canadian automotive supply chain. The APMA secured stronger terms for regional value content for Canadian suppliers than were being sought by the U.S. and Japan and reversed Canadian federal position through hardnosed public advocacy and collaboration with our Mexican counterparts.

Working closely with officials in Ottawa, Washington and Mexico City during the 2017-19 NAFTA renegotiations, the APMA led the effort to secure an unexpected and unprecedented increase in Regional Value Content for Canadian automotive suppliers in the new USMCA, worth $6-8B in annual incremental volumes for their Canadian operations alone.

The APMA also launched the Connected Car Demonstration Program starting in 2014. In partnership with Toyota Canada, the APMA launched its initial connected Lexus demonstration platform with 14 companies in a unique industrial collaboration project. Conceived to provide a real-life demonstration platform for new commercially ready technologies, the program expanded to a multi-vehicle fleet based in a demonstration zone partnership with the City of Stratford. This program evolved into Project Arrow, the APMA led all-Canadian designed, engineered and supplied lightweight, zero-emission concept vehicle.

Globalization, mega-mergers and free trade agreements became the new reality. Computerized processes and robotic technology transformed the automotive industry in its design and operations. The environmental concerns of this generation shifted the sector to achieve a better environmental, social and economic future.

In 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was signed by Canada, the U.S. and Mexico to eliminate or reduce barriers to trade and investment between the three countries. The APMA advocated for an agreement that would strengthen the business of its members creating greater impact on the Canadian economy.

The APMA also embarked on a new initiative with Environment Canada to seek a reduction and/or elimination of the use, generation or release of toxic substances to achieve a better environmental, social, and economic future.

By 1999, the Canadian automotive industry reached $73 billion with the automotive parts industry accounting for $30.5 billion. Canada accounted for the production of over 3 million vehicles produced in all of North America and employment levels approached 100,000 people.

In 1974, Patrick J Lavelle who was well respected and familiar with the Federal Government was appointed President of the APMA. In the 1970’s, the value of all Canadian automotive shipments had risen to $9.3 billion with the automotive parts and accessories industry accounting for $3.3 billion of this total while employing 46, 000.

Formally incorporated on August 18, 1952, the Automotive and Aircraft Parts Manufacturers’ Association (Canada) began operating on October 1, 1952. James Armer, N.P. Peterson and Charles McTavish were the three founding directors.

During WWII, Canada was heavily involved in aircraft production which continued at a lesser pace after the war. In 1956, the Association moved away from the aircraft sector and officially became the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association.

In this era, high customs tariffs were the main obstacle to any expansion in world trade. Imported duties also constituted a major portion of government revenue and countries were reluctant to give up that source of income, limiting trade and export opportunities. Don Wood, a tariff expert, was appointed to run the APMA until his retirement in 1974.