Thetford’s Mary Pouiliot Named Executive VP for North America

ETTEN-LEUR, The Netherlands – Thetford announced leadership promotions to both its European and North American operations in a release from the supplier known for its mobile sanitary systems, cooking and refrigeration appliances, toilet care and maintenance products. Mary Pouiliot will now serve as the Executive Vice President for North America, overseeing Thetford, Norcold, Nova Kool and B&B Molders, while Marie Boulanger will be promoted to Managing Director of Thetford Europe and APAC.

“The Thetford DNA is secured!” stated Thetford’s Global CEO Stéphane Cordeille. When asked wether he is leaving Thetford and the RV industry, Cordeille’s first response is with a smile: “Don’t start celebrating, I’m not gone yet!”

“But as a responsible leadership team we need to prepare Thetford for the future,” he continued. “I’m delighted that we identified leadership within our organization. They have proven their skills and have enjoyed working in the RV-industry for many years. This new generation carries out the Thetford values and will safeguard the organization’s culture. I truly believe that the Thetford values and strong customer focus are our main strengths, so for me it’s essential that these values are protected and carried on. I’m fully convinced that with the organizational changes we will be making per January 1st , this goal will be reached. We are approaching this change from a global angle, because we are a global company.”

Managing Director Thetford Europe and APAC

Marie Boulanger will be promoted to Managing Director of Thetford Europe and APAC. Marie joined Thetford in 2008 and has held various positions within Thetford. She is the Sales & Marketing Director since May 2022. In her new role she will, next to her sales responsibilities, manage and lead Thetford BV and its sales subsidiaries.

“Marie has a strong track record within Thetford and is highly appreciated by our customers. With her ‘customer first’ mentality she will safeguard the Thetford values and culture,” said Cordeille.

Executive Vice President North-America

“Within the North American region, Mary Pouliot is our strongest leader,” Cordeille said. “She began her Thetford journey 19 years ago in a Customer Service role. In recent years, she has successfully guided our business through challenging times and prepared our American organization for the future. Mary will now serve as our Executive Vice President for North America, overseeing Thetford, Norcold, Nova Kool and B&B Molders.”

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Campground Market Softens; Brokers Optimistic About 2025

The market for campgrounds and RV parks is softening as a result of higher interest rates and lower year-over-year occupancies involving both seasonal and transient guests, according to investors and RV park brokers across the country.

The ramifications of market softening don’t stop there, however. High interest rates and weaker occupancies are also slowing the pace of new park construction and expansion projects, brokers and investors say.

While different brokers have different assessments as to the severity of the market decline, only one broker told Woodall’s Campground Magazine, a sister publication of RVBusiness, that his firm’s business levels were as strong as they’ve ever been this year.

James Cook

“Sales of RV parks are down 80%. That’s my assessment of the industry,” said James Cook, national director of brokerage for Yale Realty & Capital Advisors in Miami, Fla. “Most RV parks are down 3% to 5% in occupancy this year. I think that’s the average. We’re just in a different market where people are not as aggressively chasing RV parks as they were.”

Cook added that he has seen cases where sellers have been forced to reduce the prices of their parks during the underwriting process as it becomes apparent to underwriters that the financial data cannot justify the sale at the original price. He cited one case two years ago when the RV park selling price was originally listed at $14 million. It was subsequently reduced to $10 million as a result of changing market conditions and weakening financials.

Richard O’Brien, CEO of Athena Real Estate in Orlando, Fla., who also owns and operates 14 private parks under the Applebrook RV Parks brand, said some investors who purchased private parks during the pandemic are now trying to sell them because these parks are not producing the returns they envisioned when they acquired these properties.

“We’re seeing a lot of developers in the market trying to sell, while there is still reasonable capital in the market to buy,” he said.

John Sheedy, president of Park Brokerage and Commercial Real Estate, LLC in Phoenix, Ariz., has also seen signs of weakening in the RV park market.

“Transaction volume has slowed down mostly due to the spread between buyers and sellers,” he said, adding, “The majority of (transient) RV parks are lower on revenue than in previous years. More supply has been added to most markets, and a chunk of COVID-era travelers have gotten back on planes.”

Sheedy added that the majority of transactions he sees are “forced sales” involving a seller who has personal or financial reasons for selling, such as health or age.

Jesse Pine, of NAI Outdoor Hospitality Brokers in Basalt, Colo., said the market was markedly slower in 2024 than in 2023.

Richard J. O’Brien

“To put into comparison, though 2024 was still similar to many years of pre-COVID RV real estate market — 2018 to 2020 — generally, the pace of selling a property was a bit slower this year, oftentimes with buyers needing extensions to close and financing contingencies common in most purchase contracts. Owners were faced with rising CAP rates — therefore, lower property values — in 2024 as the spread between interest rates and CAP rates was slim. Buyers had difficulty finding appealing returns and there was a gap between buyer and seller expectations. Values of properties could have declined this year due to overall lower income, rising CAP rates and buyers wanting higher cash on cash returns.”

Most brokers also note that rising interest rates have made it much more expensive to build new parks and expand existing ones.

“The cost to build is much higher than what it was two and a half years ago,” O’Brien said. “It is costing much more to construct sites. Consequently, there are some owners that have paused construction and are in a position where they are just tabling a project where they have entitlements.”

Falling occupancy rates are also making some investors and park developers reconsider the pace of their developments and whether it makes sense to do it now or take a wait-and-see approach.

“The return on investment capital is of concern,” O’Brien said, adding, “We have seen a number of transactions that have started development, but have not been built because of the cost to build.”

Pine has a similar perspective.

Jesse Pine

“Some development projects were delayed or halted altogether and may never break ground,” he said, adding, “High interest rates have put the brakes on some acquisitions of development land or expansion projects if the margins in their underwriting were already slim. The high cost of debt is a significant factor to the bottom line, especially in a development deal where holding costs can be several years and a new RV park may not make a profit ’til year two after it is stabilized with high occupancy.

“Generally high construction costs and lengthy and expensive entitlement processes are other major reasons developers cite as not wanting to begin a project, Pine continued. “Now the market is not as hot as 2021 or 2022, but those were very much peak years and the top of the market. The market is still good when you compare it to the last 20 years of averages. Today, buyers and developers are becoming a bit more cautious and very disciplined in their valuations and pro forma assumptions. They are building in higher reserves and not always counting on consistent year-over-year growth, but perhaps flat income growth for next year. With the election behind us and a new political direction, real estate markets tend to benefit from these shifts and look forward to consistency over the next four years.”

Not every brokerage firm shares the same perspective, however.

Mark Whitworth, president and associate broker with Parks and Places, which has offices in Tallahassee, Fla. and Grand Rapids, Mich., told WCM his firm has not seen any slowdown in market activity.

“I don’t think the market has slowed down much at all,” he said. “We have had 21 sales so far in 2024 with at least nine more scheduled to close before the end of the year. Thirty sales would be another good year for Parks and Places. We also have several parks scheduled to close in early 2025. On the values park owners are getting, our average for the 21 parks sold this year is a 9.3% cap rate with an average time on the market of 8.8 months. That was 8.2 months in 2023. It was just over 10 months in 2022 and 2021. That tells us there is still an increasing number of buyers willing to pay for a park that makes good financial sense for both the buyer and seller.”

On the topic of new park construction and park expansion, Whitworth said the same factors have always been at play.

John Sheedy

“From our perspective,” he said, “funding to build a new park has always been slow. There are numerous factors to consider, like the cost to purchase land, the cost of engineering plans, building material and labor costs, the extended time to build before the first camper arrives… etc. Then the a high likelihood that it may be several years before the park turns a profit. Those things have not changed much and building a new park is still considered to be a high-risk venture by most lending entities. If a park is already up, running, and turning a profit with an obvious need to expand, lenders will be much more likely to be on board to help with those costs.”

For her part, Jayne Cohen, president of the Campground Consulting Group, said it’s important to keep overall market trends in perspective, given the unprecedented industry boom that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“RV park sales and expansions have slowed down post-COVID, but only when compared to pre-COVID and COVID times,” she said, noting, “We are not at a reasonable pace. Remember going into COVID there were record occupancies and double-digit increases in early 2020 before the COVID shutdown.  The economic and financial climates as well as the overall slowdown and decrease in occupancy have eliminated the craziness. In addition, it took a moment for sellers to get back to reality and realize the hay days were over.  There are still plenty of buyers for RV parks if the seller is reasonable and the numbers make sense.  Interest rates are starting to fall, but the effect has not yet been truly realized.  Seller financing or taking back a second mortgage has become a necessity in making some deals happen.”

Jayne Cohen

Cohen also said campground and RV park development will continue.

“Developers develop regardless of the times – they simply shift their focus,” she said, adding, “We have a lot of projects in the planning and soft-cost stage, as I call it. These developments want to be ready to go when the economic climate and consumer demand shift. The election was holding folks back as many were concerned a Harris/Waltz leadership would be bad for the economy and inflation. Regardless of your personal political beliefs, there is excitement for a better economy and future with the Trump presidency.”

Indeed, real estate brokers are cautiously optimistic about 2025, particularly now that the election is behind us.

Randy Hendrickson, a broker with The Intrepid Group in Houston, Texas, said his business has picked up since the election.

“The market slowed down considerably in 2024, and many investors were sitting on the sidelines waiting, among other things, to see what the outcome of the election would be,” he noted. “Since the election, our phones have been extremely active and, in conjunction with the recent drop in interest rates, that’s adding more fuel. It does not mean that valuations of parks on the market have changed, however. Rather, investors are still underwriting conservatively. We are seeing an increased volume of calls from owners who are looking to sell now, so the drought (in sales) may be correcting.”

On another positive note, Cook said the private park industry continues to attract new investors from other industries.

“A lot of folks see the potential to consolidate and still see it as an inefficient industry with room to improve,” he said. “But they’re being very cautious and they’re not rushing in.”

Jayne Cohen

O’Brien, for his part, said caution is a good thing in today’s market environment.

“One must tread cautiously forward on a project-by-project basis,” he said. “Demand continues to be strong and rental rates have increased. But we’re coming off a highly inflationary period. We have to be cautious as to future rental rate growth, and especially cautious in developing in light of higher inflationary costs, higher interest rates, higher cap rates, and putting the slow button on rental rate increases.”

Pine also expects the transaction volume to pick up in 2025 compared to 2024.

“Sunbelt states continue to be popular for investors and campers alike,” he said, adding, “Increased financing options for buyers, along with stabilized interest rates, will help more buyers to transact next year,” he explained. “Private equity-backed buyers will also represent a larger contingent of the overall marketplace. There will be a portion of owners who want to exit for some of the same reasons as always — age, need to move, lifestyle changes, investment sales — but there will likely also be an increase of sales due to strained financial pressures. Some parks will also need to be refinanced this year which may make continued ownership implausible.”

Sheedy, for his part, doesn’t anticipate any significant improvement in the market anytime soon.

“I don’t expect transaction volume or pricing to improve until there’s more stability with treasuries, which drive borrowing rates. Pricing, I don’t think, will be dramatically different for at least four to five more years than it is today.,” he said, adding, “There’s basically no bid for parks or campgrounds that are in soft markets.”

Russell Baehre

Russell Baehre, of Baehre Real Estate in Kerrville, Texas, has his own sobering assessment of market conditions as he looks into the future.

“The market is 2008 slow,” he said, “(first in) anticipation of the election, and now (in) anticipation of what is to come in 2025. Plus, (having) about 9% commercial interest rates has most buyers and builders stalled. Also, sellers of good parks know when rates go down their park will be worth more. I was looking and, just in Texas, I counted over 200 parks for sale. Some have been on the market for 365 to 600 days. Most we would never list.”

Baehre also complained that inexperienced brokers “new to the outdoor hospitality industry have listed parks and overpriced them.

“I think the economy is worse than the Fed thinks,” he said. “We already know employment numbers are tainted. So, one way or another, rates will come down in 2025.”

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Performance Brokerage Services Advises on Kunes Acquisition

Performance Brokerage Services, North America’s highest volume dealership brokerage firm, announces the sale of Wisconsin RV World in DeForest, Wis., from Christine Eagan and the Eagan Family to Kunes Auto & RV, according to a release.

RVBusiness first reported this acquisition on Dec. 6 (See: “Kunes RV Group Announces Wisconsin RV World Acquisition”).

Wisconsin RV World is Wisconsin’s oldest licensed towable dealer. It was founded in 1945 by Navy pilot, Jack Eagan, and entrepreneurs, Bill and Romie Schneider, to meet the rising demand for affordable housing in Madison, Wisconsin. In 1957, the company expanded its offerings to include RVs and in 1966, sold its first Winnebago motorhome.

In 1984, Jack’s son, Michael, and son-in-law, Dick Hoffmann, purchased the company. In 1986, the dealership relocated to its current location at the corner of Interstate 90/94 and Highway 51 and was renamed Wisconsin RV World. Michael’s daughter, Christine Eagan, joined the family business in 1991, and in 2001, she became President, continuing the family’s legacy of servicing the Madison community.

After the sale, Christine shared, “Jesse Stopnitzky came highly recommended from a friend in the RV industry, as he has always heard great things about Jesse and his company. So, when it came time to make one of the most significant decisions in my company’s history, I knew I needed guidance from someone who truly understood both the industry and our values. Jesse Stopnitzky at Performance Brokerage Services turned out to be that perfect partner. The entire process was seamless and transparent, and Jesse’s expertise and personal touch made a complex journey feel manageable. We felt supported every step of the way, and his dedication to ensuring a smooth transition for all parties involved was unmatched. It’s not easy to close a chapter on 80 years of history, but with Jesse and Performance Brokerage Services, we felt confident that we were making the right choice for the future of our business, our employees, and our customers. We’re grateful for his guidance and partnership during this milestone moment.”

Over the last five years, Performance Brokerage Services has advised on the sale of over 300 dealerships, making it the highest volume dealership brokerage firm in North America, the release continued. Jesse Stopnitzky, co-owner and director of the RV Division for Performance Brokerage Services, and Jon Couwenberg, partner, were the exclusive sell-side advisors for this transaction.

Stopnitzky commented, “We are privileged to often be involved in lifechanging events for our clients, though it is rare to advise on a business with a history as rich as Wisconsin RV World. For nearly 80 years, the Eagan family serviced their Madison community with great pride. Their deep-rooted family values are immeasurable and are a true testament to their success over so many years. It was an honor to have been entrusted by the Eagan family with facilitating the transition to Kunes Auto & RV.”

Kunes Auto & RV, founded by Gregg Kunes in 1996 in Delavan, Wis., is the top-selling RV dealership in Wisconsin, making up 24% of the state’s RV sales. With over 40 automotive and RV locations across the Midwest, Kunes Auto & RV employs over 1,800 people and donates 10% of its annual profits to local charities.

Kunes Auto Group is ranked No. 110 on the 2024 Automotive News Top 150 Dealership Groups based on 2023 new vehicle retail sales units. The company has earned over 30 Automotive News “Best Dealerships to Work For” awards, which are awarded to 100 dealers nationwide each year.

Ron Baker, chief operating officer of the RV Division at Kunes Auto & RV stated, “We are honored to continue the legacy that Wisconsin RV World has built over eight decades of family ownership. Their commitment to customer service and family values perfectly aligns with our own mission and the initiatives we’ve launched to enhance the RV ownership experience.”

Wisconsin RV World will remain at its current location at 5920 Haase Road in DeForest, Wisconsin.

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Walex Appoints Kristopher Johnson as Marketing Manager

Kristopher Johnson

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Walex Products Company, a leader in commercial, RV and marine sanitation solutions, announces the appointment of Kristopher Johnson as its new Marketing Manager. With a wealth of experience in product marketing, digital strategy, and branding, Kristopher joins Walex to enhance further the company’s customer relationships, brand positioning, and marketing initiatives.

“We are excited to welcome Kristopher to Walex,” said RV & Marine Sales Manager Tony Butler. “His strong background in marketing strategy and innovative approach will be instrumental in expanding our reach in the RV and marine markets. Kristopher’s leadership will help drive product awareness and align with our long-term brand vision.”

As Marketing Manager, Johnson will lead the development of company-wide brand and product marketing strategies, executing multi-platform campaigns that build upon Walex’s established reputation. His experience in both B2B and B2C marketing will ensure that Walex’s product lines retain their premium status while expanding into new customer segments.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Walex, a brand trusted by many in the commercial, RV, and marine communities,” says Johnson. “I look forward to leveraging my digital marketing and brand development expertise to help drive Walex’s continued growth and innovation.”

Johnson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Design and Visual Communications from San Diego State University. He has previously held senior marketing roles across industries, including medical devices, technology, and sporting goods. Outside of work, he enjoys surfing, paddleboarding, fishing, and spending time with his two daughters. Kristopher can be reached directly at [email protected] or 910-371-2242 ext. 118.

About Walex Products Company Inc.

Walex Products Company Inc. is a global leader in manufacturing sanitation solutions and environmental odor control products. With a strong focus on innovation, quality, and customer service, Walex serves portable sanitation, RV, marine, and industrial markets with eco-friendly products designed to meet its customers’ diverse needs. Committed to environmental stewardship, Walex is dedicated to developing sustainable practices across all areas of its business. 100% of manufacturing is solar-powered.

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RV Techs, Inspectors Raise Nearly $13K for Pregnancy Center

ATHENS, Texas — In a remarkable display of generosity, RV Technician Association of America (RVTAA) certified RV technicians and National RV Inspectors Association (NRVIA) certified RV inspectors collectively raised nearly $13,000 for the Abundant Life Pregnancy Resource Center during the 2024 RVTAA & NRVIA EXPO.

The event, held Dec. 6-8 at the National RV Training Academy (NRVTA) campus in Athens, Texas, brought together professionals dedicated to both their craft and their community, according to a release.

The fundraising initiative was ignited by Terry “The Texas RV Professor” Cooper, who, during a session, presented a donation bucket and emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting others, invoking the principle that “to whom much is given, much is required.” This heartfelt appeal resonated deeply with attendees, sparking a wave of contributions. One attendee’s pledge to match donations up to $5,000 further amplified the collective effort, culminating in a total of nearly $13,000 raised for the center.

The Abundant Life Pregnancy Resource Center, located in Athens, Texas, offers free and confidential services to individuals facing unplanned pregnancies. Their comprehensive support includes medical-grade pregnancy tests, parenting education classes, community referrals, and material assistance through their Baby Boutique, which provides infant and toddler supplies. The center is committed to empowering women and men throughout pregnancy, ensuring they have access to the resources and support needed during challenging times.

The 2024 EXPO provided RV technicians and inspectors with in-depth training, certification opportunities, and industry networking. The event featured hands-on training sessions, professional development workshops, and keynote addresses from industry leaders, all aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of attendees.

The success of this fundraising effort underscores the commitment of RVTAA and NRVIA members to making a positive impact beyond their professional responsibilities. Their collective generosity will significantly aid the Abundant Life Pregnancy Resource Center in continuing its vital services to the community.

For more information about the Abundant Life Pregnancy Resource Center and their services, please visit www.abundantlifeprc.com.

For details about the RVTAA & NRVIA EXPO and the National RV Training Academy, visit www.nrvtaexpo.com.

Media Contact: Tony Flammia [email protected]

Image: Terry Cooper speaking to the EXPO Attendees

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Lippert Teams with Shepherd’s House Nonprofit in Ft. Wayne

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Lippert Components, Inc. (Lippert), announced the successful completion of its latest Built to Serve event in Fort Wayne. Lippert leadership from northern Indiana and Ohio came together to support Shepherd’s House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing long-term residential support for homeless veterans struggling with alcohol and chemical dependencies, as well as mental health challenges. 

As part of Lippert’s ongoing Built to Serve initiative, which encourages team members to give back to the communities where they live and work, leaders from across the company volunteered their time and resources to assist Shepherd’s House in enhancing its facility and supporting its mission of veteran recovery. The day’s activities included organizing donations, assisting with maintenance projects, and providing support to staff who work tirelessly to help these men and women regain their independence. 

“At Lippert, we are deeply committed to supporting those who have served our country,” said Michilah Grimes, Social Impact Strategist at Lippert. “Our Built to Serve events are an important part of our company culture, and we are proud to collaborate with organizations like Shepherd’s House, whose work is vital in providing a path to recovery for veterans in need.” 

Shepherd’s House offers a structured, long-term residential program for veterans recovering from alcoholism, chemical dependency, or mental health issues. The program emphasizes dignity, self-sufficiency, and the development of a solid foundation of sobriety. Veterans participating in the program work closely with professional staff to create personalized recovery plans, focusing on education, therapy, and building effective support systems. 

“We are incredibly grateful for Lippert’s support,” said Tracey Barr, Director of Veteran Outreach for Shepherd’s House. “Their generosity not only impacts the physical environment here but also reminds our veterans that they are valued members of the community. This partnership helps us move closer to our vision of empowering veterans to become self-sufficient, employed, and hopeful for their future.” 

The Built to Serve initiative, launched in October 2023, continues to strengthen Lippert’s commitment to community service and team unity. As the third event in this ongoing program, it brings together Lippert leaders and team members from different locations to address critical community needs while fostering deeper connections across its diverse workforce. Through hands-on engagement and shared experiences, Lippert is not just building a team; it is nurturing a family united by its vision of using Business as a Force for Good in the World.

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Chris Duffy to Keynote RV Leadership Conference in Arizona

Chris Duffy

The RV Industry Association (RVIA) is holding its third annual Leadership Conference at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, Ariz., on Tuesday, March 4-6, 2025.

This two-day event provides attendees with networking and leadership development opportunities. Attendees will also experience motivating presentations from speakers such as Chris Duffy, who will be the keynote speaker on Wednesday, March 5, according to an RVIA News & Insights report.

Chris Duffy is a comedian, television writer, and radio/podcast host. Chris currently hosts the hit podcast “How to Be a Better Human”. You can watch his comedic TED talk, “How to find laughter anywhere” online. He has appeared on Good Morning America, ABC News, NPR, and National Geographic Explorer. Chris wrote for both seasons of Wyatt Cenac’s Problem Areas on HBO, executive produced by John Oliver. 

Chris is the creator/host of the streaming game show Wrong Answers Only, where three comedians try to understand what a leading scientist does all day, in partnership with LabX at the National Academy of Sciences. Chris is both a former fifth grade teacher and a former fifth grade student. 

Registration is still open for the 2025 Leadership Conference! Register here.

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EV Infrastructure Should Continue to Expand Under Trump?

New federally backed electric vehicle chargers will continue to appear along U.S. highways no matter which president sits in the Oval Office, according to a report by Automotive News.

The Biden administration’s plan to line highways across the U.S. with federally funded electric vehicle chargers will remain in place once Donald Trump becomes president next month, experts say.

“It would take almost an act of God for Trump or Congress to overturn” the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, said Loren McDonald, chief analyst at Paren, which recently acquired McDonald’s EV Adoption firm.

That’s because much of the $5 billion that underpins the initiative has already been doled out to the states. The remainder was preapproved. Policymakers designed the five-year program, which started in 2021, to help states create a network of public charging stations in 50-mile intervals along interstates.

Click here to reads the full report by Automotive News.

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Canadian Government Generates Fall Economic Statement

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a Dec. 16 communication from the RV Dealers Association of Canada to its members.

This afternoon, government House Leader Karina Gould tabled the Fall Economic Statement (FES) on behalf of the new Minister of Finance, Dominic LeBlanc, and the federal government. The FES follows the resignation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Chrystia Freeland, earlier this morning. Minister LeBlanc will now serve as the Prime Minister’s steady hand as Minister of Finance, in addition to his roles as Minister of Public Safety and Intergovernmental Affairs.

The FES provides an opportunity for the federal government to share an update on current finances and highlight priorities. Compared to typical timelines for the release, this year’s announcement comes after a significant delay and during a period of great uncertainty for the federal government. Affordability and the cost-of-living crisis remain top-line agenda items, with Prime Minister Trudeau recently announcing measures such as the GST/HST break and business-focused tax breaks and incentives. The FES also features updates and commitments to housing and infrastructure development, capital investment in Canadian innovation, and investment tax credits to support the industrial transition, among other key priorities, to increase productivity and sustain wage growth.

In response to the looming 25% tariffs promised by President-elect Donald Trump and pressure from Premiers, the federal government plans to invest in supporting the Canada Border Services Agency, the RCMP, Public Safety Canada, and the Communications Security Establishment, although the details of this remain vague. They are “focused on countering the U.S. threat of tariffs while fostering a stable and competitive business investment climate.”

In areas of particular concern to the RVDA of Canada, the 2024 Fall Economic Statement announces that the federal government is considering further measures to create a more nimble and resilient labour market that supports newcomer integration into their chosen professions. This includes removing the tax-exempt status of regulatory colleges that do not accelerate credential recognition and publishing a national credential recognition performance framework.

RVDA of Canada has been heavily involved in workforce development discussions with this government. While the difficulties highlighted by the industry seem to have been understood, details on these changes will only be presented in the next federal budget. It will be interesting to see how these promises are maintained if the current government sustains a loss of confidence and elections are triggered.

The Leader of the Official Opposition, the Hon. Pierre Poilievre, posted online that the Liberals forced former Minister Freeland “through the fiscal guardrail and Canadians off the debt cliff” and reiterated the Conservatives’ intention to take a common-sense approach to supporting Canadians.

The federal government has failed to hold its commitment to keep the deficit at or below $40.1 billion. The deficit for the 2023-2024 fiscal year totaled $62 billion. Last week, the Bank of Canada cut interest rates from 3.75% to 3.25% — factors that influenced this decision included weaker-than-expected GDP and slowing economic growth. Ahead of 2025, the federal government continues to contend with the ongoing affordability and cost-of-living crisis, rising unemployment rates, and pressure from opposition parties and the public alike to deliver relief and support to Canadians. The federal cabinet is also in significant disarray and is expected to be shuffled shortly.

Other measures in the Fall Economic Statement (FES) potentially of interest to RVDA of Canada include:

The government’s intent to introduce legislative amendments to the Customs Act to grant the Canada Border Services Agency new authorities to inspect goods destined for export as a means to crack down on auto theft. This will include requiring warehouse operators and shippers to provide adequate accommodations for CBSA officers to carry out their mandate.

The government’s intention to amend the Criminal Code to make bail and sentencing laws stricter to better respond to the severity of auto theft, break and enter, extortion, and arson crimes committed by repeat, violent, and organized crime offenders.

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