Representatives from the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA) of Canada and the Canadian Camping and RV Council (CCRVC) said they will meet virtually with Parliamentarians this week to discuss recovery measures needed to support the RV and camping industry post-crisis.
The groups also are scheduled to discuss campground tax regime plans around the country.
The industry groups said 2020 was a particularly challenging year for the Canadian RV industry. RV sales were down as a result of COVID-related lockdowns and mandated shutdowns across Canada. Current inventory and supply chain challenges continue to affect dealers.
“There is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel but we are not out of the woods yet,” Canada RVDA Chairman Gord Bragg said. “More is to be done. With the vaccination campaign ramping up, the federal government needs to focus on providing ongoing support to struggling businesses and on targeted recovery support for key sectors such as the RV and camping sector.”
The manufacturing, purchasing, servicing, and use of recreation vehicles contribute billions to the Canadian economy each year. In 2019, the RV industry supported 67,200 jobs and fueled $6.2 billion in total spending.
“The RVDA of Canada and the CCRVC are committed to making RVing and camping a recognized element of Canada’s tourism sector,” Bragg said. “We look forward to working with all Parliamentarians to develop sound policies to support and facilitate the recovery of the RV and camping sector post-crisis.”
There are more than 4,231 campgrounds operated across Canada. The groups said campgrounds across Canada need infrastructural improvements to accommodate new camping and RV technologies.
A new tax regime deemed to be “fair” by the associations, along with investment in necessary infrastructural updates, would benefit family-owned campgrounds and RV dealerships, they stated.
CCRVC Chairman Robert Trask said private campground corporations face a nearly 300 percent tax increase, representing “a significant concern, not only to small private campgrounds, but also to the entire RV and camping industry.”
“Together, the RV and campground industries play an important role in the health of Canada’s tourism sector and make a significant contribution to Canada’s economy,” Trask said. “The need to develop policies that support all travel and tourism, and recognize RVing as a prosperous tourism activity post-pandemic, are essential to the RV industry.”
