In 2025, AEM made significant strides in strengthening its presence and influence in Canada, allowing the association to better advocate on behalf of its over 100 Canadian members.
A major milestone was hiring AEM’s first Canada-based employee, Director of Government Affairs for Canada Alexandra Mattard-Michaud, marking a new phase in the association’s ability to engage directly with Canadian members and policymakers.
AEM also delivered a strong slate of successful events across Canada throughout 2025. The association hosted its largest-ever Ottawa Demo Day in August, welcoming representatives from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), the Privy Council Office (PCO), Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), Farm Credit Canada (FCC), and several Members of Parliament’s offices. Participants had the opportunity to see first-hand the innovative technologies shaping the future of agriculture, showcased by companies including CASE IH, John Deere, Kubota, Kuhn, Lely, and Salford. AAFC Assistant Deputy Minister Tom Rosser highlighted the value of the event in strengthening collaboration across the agricultural value chain and improving policymakers’ understanding of modern farm equipment and practices.
In October, AEM hosted its second-annual Ottawa Hill Day, bringing together 21 equipment manufacturing executives from across North America. Participants met with numerous Members of Parliament, deputy ministers, and senior officials to discuss the state of the industry and advocate for policies supporting manufacturing competitiveness. Discussions focused on addressing Canada’s infrastructure deficit, workforce shortages, and trade barriers affecting equipment manufacturers.
At the provincial level, AEM achieved meaningful progress on key policy files. The association helped secure positive amendments to Alberta’s Farm Implement Regulations, including an exemption for low-cost equipment under $10,000. AEM also continued to demonstrate leadership on “right to repair” issues and secured a seat on Alberta’s mining equipment working group, helping reduce the risk of unexpected regulatory changes for members.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Building on this momentum, AEM will expand its engagement across Canada in 2026 with a focus on deepening relationships, advancing priority policy files, and increasing member engagement.
Key initiatives will include hosting AEM’s first provincial lobby day at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in the spring, convening a summer Demo Day in Western Canada, and holding another fall Hill Day in Ottawa. These activities will support stronger engagement with provincial governments while maintaining AEM’s growing federal presence.
Trade and market access will remain central priorities in the year ahead. With the CUSMA review approaching, AEM will play an active role in ensuring coordinated engagement on both sides of the border. Advocacy efforts will emphasize the importance of predictable trade rules, regulatory alignment, and the free movement of equipment and components across Canada and the United States.
AEM will also continue to monitor political and regulatory developments closely, including new government appointments, committee activity, and emerging policy proposals. The association will pursue opportunities to provide witness testimony before parliamentary committees and engage early in the federal budget cycle to ensure member priorities are reflected in government decision-making.
At the provincial level, AEM will continue its work on “right to repair,” including engagement with the Government of Saskatchewan and other provinces considering regulatory changes. The association will also work to strengthen relationships with provincial governments to support a more coordinated federal-provincial approach to manufacturing and infrastructure policy.
Through expanded engagement, strategic advocacy, and sustained member involvement, AEM is well positioned in 2026 to advance policies that support Canadian manufacturing, strengthen rural economies, promote skilled trades, and reinforce the importance of open and competitive trade.
For more information and to get involved in AEM’s advocacy efforts in Canada, please contact Alexandre Mattard-Michaud, Director of Government Affairs for Canada, at amattard-michaud@aem.org.
