Canadian Recreational Boating Industry meets on Parliament Hill

Members of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Canada from across all sectors of the Canadian recreational boating industry gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa for the first-ever Recreational Boating Day to advocate on behalf of more than 100,000 Canadian marine industry workers and Canada’s 10 million recreational boaters.

The day allowed them to meet with elected and government officials about issues relevant to Canada’s recreational boating sector, and also to talk about the industry’s $15.6 billion economic impact on the Canadian economy.

It is also hoped that federal tourism and economic development measures can expand the estimated $5 billion dollar impact boating has on Canada’s national tourism sector.

“Whether it’s that the Canadian recreational boat manufacturing industry represents approximately $322 million in exports or that, contrary to the belief that boating is a hobby for the rich, just over 50% of Canadian boaters’ average household income totals less than $80,000 – our industry has an important story to tell,” notes Sara Anghel, Executive Director of NMMA. “Sharing our story on Parliament Hill this week represents a critical element of our industry’s advocacy efforts and will go a long way towards building an accurate understanding of the Canadians who make up recreational boating and the positive economic impact which these boating enthusiasts have across the country.”

“The overall Canadian boat manufacturing industry’s value totals approximately $1.7 billion, and we want to ensure that number can continue to grow,” said Donald Dubois, Chairman of NMMA Canada and President of Princecraft Boats. “We want to collaborate with key federal decision-makers to ensure that there are no impairing trade barriers for Canadian recreational boat manufacturers to export our best-in-class product to other countries.”
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