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NMMA Canada returned to Ottawa in June for its annual Day on the Hill, convening industry leaders, members of Parliament, senators, ministerial staff and senior government officials for advocacy meetings and a reception focused on the priorities shaping Canada’s recreational marine sector.

This year’s meetings followed a major policy win for the industry: the repeal of Canada’s federal luxury tax on boats as part of Budget 2025. Last year, NMMA Canada’s advocacy focused heavily on the need to repeal the tax, which posed significant challenges for marine manufacturers, dealers and consumers. With the tax now repealed, this year’s conversations provided an opportunity to thank government and industry partners who supported the effort and underscore the importance of continued collaboration on policies that support industry growth.

Throughout the week, NMMA Canada members reinforced the association’s role as a constructive partner to government, bringing forward practical, solutions-oriented policy positions on issues affecting recreational boating, marine manufacturing and waterway access across Canada.

The week began with NMMA Canada’s board meeting in Ottawa, followed by the association’s annual reception along the Rideau Canal. The reception brought together government and industry stakeholders and gave policymakers an opportunity to experience recreational boating firsthand, with boats on the canal throughout the evening thanks to the support of event sponsors.

Following the reception, board members participated in a day and a half of meetings on Parliament Hill, engaging directly with policymakers and elected officials on priority issues for the recreational marine industry.

Waterway access and trade stability remain top policy priorities for NMMA Canada, with the association emphasizing the need for a fair, transparent and consultative process before any new restrictions are imposed under the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations. As the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement review approaches, NMMA Canada also underscored the importance of trade and tariff stability to help Canadian manufacturers and suppliers remain competitive amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

Industry representatives also discussed aquatic invasive species prevention, salmon allocation policy, boating safety, infrastructure investment, and innovation policies that support the long-term competitiveness of Canada’s recreational marine sector. Across these discussions, NMMA Canada highlighted the industry’s economic impact, including its support for thousands of jobs, manufacturing, tourism, small businesses and local economies from coast to coast to coast.

NMMA Canada thanks the parliamentarians, government officials and industry representatives who participated in this year’s event, including ministerial staff, policy advisers, associate deputy ministers, departmental officials and parliamentary staff, for their time and engagement.

Event sponsors included platinum sponsors Canadian Marine Retailers Association and Boating Ontario; gold sponsors Bombardier Recreational Products, Mercury Marine, Princecraft, Smoker Craft and Dometic; and silver sponsors Suzuki Marine, Yamaha Marine and Northpoint.

NMMA Canada will continue working with government partners throughout the year to advance policies that strengthen trade competitiveness, protect access to Canada’s waterways and support the continued growth of recreational boating across the country.