December, 2025 

The Western Canadian Dealer Summit (WCDS) returned to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in November, with record numbers, a sold-out tradeshow and two days of programming that kept dealers focused on the road ahead for automotive retail in Canada.

Jointly organized by the MDA, the Saskatchewan Automobile Dealers Association (SADA), and the New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA), the Summit drew nearly 400 attendees, including dealers, speakers, and sponsors.

Apart from the content, social events — from a buzzing welcome reception to a Barn Dance with live music and tons of Alberta beef served on pitchforks and a classy closing gala — gave dealers and industry partners plenty of time to reconnect against the backdrop of Lake Louise.

Conference emcee Jay Radke tied it all together, framing the weekend around three themes that surfaced in session after session: AI, cybersecurity and tightening operations, including inventory and fixed ops.

“This year’s Western Canadian Dealer Summit was our biggest and best yet,” said Gerald Wood, MDA President in an interview with Canadian auto dealer. “We had record attendance this year by a hair, a sold-out exhibit hall, and certainly the biggest event we’ve had at Lake Louise.”

Gain the data that drives decisions.

Participate in the 2026 CADA National Workforce Study and gain access to the most comprehensive dealer-specific workforce metrics in Canada:

Enroll and participate online!

It has become an industry practice among manufacturers to use disclaimers in their advertisements. Ads using "vehicle may be different than shown" have become increasingly common. In Alberta, if you are licensed by AMVIC, there are specific rules regarding disclaimers that may be different from how your manufacturer typically advertises.

You cannot use a disclaimer to protect against non-compliance with the regulation (for instance, stating "price does not include fees or transportation" or "contact dealer to confirm pricing" is not allowed).

A disclaimer can be used when it adds information, while not confusing the customer.  It should be clear and positioned close to the point being clarified.

Bottom line, in Alberta, disclaimers cannot be used to avoid all-in pricing rules or to contradict the main advertising message.  They must be truthful, clear and only serve to clarify - not mislead.

Fraud and ID Verification in Auto Finance: Preparing for 2026 and Beyond Webinar
Virtual
December 9, 2025

MDA Fixed Operations 2026 Workshop Series: Session #2
Edmonton, AB
January 17, 2026

MDA Fixed Operations 2026 Workshop Series: Session #2
Calgary, AB
January 18, 2026

NADA Show
Las Vegas, NV
February 3-6, 2026

CADA Summit
Toronto, ON
February 11, 2026

Canadian International AutoShow
Toronto, ON
February 13-22, 2026

An update on provincial sales around Canada.

The provincial sales numbers for October 2025 have been posted at the link below.

Next year's CADA Summit will take place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on the eve of the opening of the Canadian International AutoShow.

Attendees can expect to see the return of some regular features like Quick Take interviews, insights and analysis from a leading auto industry expert, a CADA Laureate panel, an international roundtable, a political panel and keynote speakers including one of the world's top futurists Jim Carroll.

The shift from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The benefits of EVs include a reduction in carbon emissions, lower vehicle operating costs, lower maintenance costs and better performance. Advancements in battery technology, government incentives, charging infrastructure and an increased variety of EV models is helping fuel EV growth around the world.

While EVs offer many advantages, they do come with some additional safety
concerns. The use of lithium-ion batteries in many EVs poses a potential fire
hazard, and the high-voltage charging systems increase electrical dangers.
Mitigating these risks is possible by understanding EVs and pre-planning
before installing a charging system on your property.

To begin to understand these risks, continue reading to learn about types of
EVs and charging systems available on the market today. This information
can protect your commercial auto fleet, company vehicles, personal
vehicles, as well as the premises surrounding EVs and their charging stations.

As a 100% Canadian-owned insurer, Federated Insurance is here to support you and your business. To learn more, visit www.federated.ca, or if you’re a Federated customer, you can contact your Commercial Insurance Specialist with any questions.

Webinar | Tuesday, December 9 | 11:00 a.m. MST/10:00 a.m. PT

The MDA and NCDA invite you to attend a timely webinar covering the growing incidents of fraud and practical steps you can take to protect your dealership. During this webinar, we will cover:

1. Definitions for identity fraud, income/employment fraud and bust-outs

2. How People, Process and Technology all need to work together to solve these painful problems

3. Implementing IDV Technology as part of a broader Fraud Prevention Plan (it's not that hard!)

4. Examples and case studies of fraud in auto finance

5. There will also be time for a Q&A

Attending from Paays will be David Fry, CEO and Anne-Marie Kelly, Head of Fraud.

Given the growing incidents of fraud impacting many dealerships today, we STRONGLY encourage you and your key team members to join us for this important discussion providing takeaways for your business.

Register today to secure your spot!

January 17, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Edmonton AB AND January 18, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Calgary AB

Demystifying Fixed Operations for General Managers and Owners

Fixed operations are the foundation of dealership profitability—yet many General Managers and Owners still view them as complex, technical, or outside their lane. In today’s market, with tightening margins on variable operations, a clear understanding of fixed ops is no longer optional—it’s essential. This workshop is designed to give senior leaders the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools to drive measurable growth in parts and service, while building stronger teams and more resilient dealerships.

This is not a classroom lecture. It’s a hands-on, collaborative workshop where you’ll engage directly with industry experts, data leaders, and frontline managers. Together, we’ll break down the misconceptions, highlight untapped revenue opportunities, and provide an actionable roadmap for turning fixed operations into a consistent, predictable profit engine.

A delicious lunch will be provided to all registrants as part of your registration fee.

We’re excited to share our brand-new MDA video!

As an MDA member, you’re part of a powerful network of dealers shaping the future of Alberta’s automotive industry. From strong advocacy and government representation to exclusive programs, professional development, scholarships, and recognition through our Dealer of Excellence awards, your membership is built to support you, your team, and your success.

Take a moment to watch our short video!

MDA President Gerald Wood has been busy delivering cheques to MDA Education Foundation recipients across the province.