NMMA Canada Builds on Luxury Tax Win During Ottawa Meetings

Canadian trade association focuses Day on the Hill advocacy discussions on trade, regulation and investment priorities for the recreational marine industry.

Fresh from securing the repeal of Canada’s federal luxury tax on boats, NMMA Canada used its annual Day on the Hill government advocacy program in Ottawa last week to press policymakers on trade stability, waterway access and other priorities affecting the recreational marine industry.

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NMMA Canada’s 2026 annual Day on the Hill reception provided an opportunity for parliamentarians and government officials to experience boating first-hand on the historic Rideau Canal.

The 2026 event falls on the heels of a significant policy victory for the sector, with the recent repeal of Canada’s federal luxury tax on boats. Discussions provided an opportunity to thank government stakeholders who supported the measure while reinforcing the need for continued collaboration on policies that support industry growth and competitiveness.

Throughout the week, NMMA Canada members positioned the association as a constructive partner to government, advancing practical policy recommendations on issues affecting recreational boating, marine manufacturing and waterway access.

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MPs Blaine Calkins (left) and Chris Bittle (right) with NMMA Canada executive director Marie-France MacKinnon

Meetings also addressed a range of industry issues, including aquatic invasive species prevention, salmon allocation policy, boating safety, infrastructure investment and innovation. NMMA Canada highlighted the sector’s economic contribution, including employment, tourism activity and support for small businesses and local economies across Canada.

The highlight of the program was NMMA Canada’s annual reception on Ottawa’s historic Rideau Canal, which brought together parliamentarians and industry stakeholders for networking and informal discussions on sector priorities with the opportunity to experience boating first-hand.

“Waterway access and trade stability remain top policy priorities for NMMA Canada, with a clear need for a fair, transparent and consultative process before any new restrictions are imposed under the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations,” said NMMA Canada executive director Marie-France MacKinnon. “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.”