May 2026 MDA President's Message Video
|
In this May video message, MDA President Gerald Wood recaps a busy April and shares updates on key industry activity and upcoming initiatives. He highlights insights from recent CADA board meetings, provides context on current sales trends in Alberta, and celebrates the success of the Edmonton Auto Experience and the continued growth of auto shows across Canada.
Gerald also reflects on the first Alberta Legislature Day, outlines upcoming Fixed Ops Accelerator sessions, and shares progress on career-driven initiatives, including a recent student career fair and tools to support dealership hiring. He closes with details on the upcoming hiring draft pilot and early plans for the Western Canadian Dealer Summit.
|
|
|
unWorkshop 2026 Session #1
Calgary, AB
May 26, 2026
|
|
|
|
MDA Fixed Operations Accelerator 2026 Series Session #4
Calgary, AB
June 17, 2026
|
|
|
|
MDA Fixed Operations Accelerator 2026 Series Session #4
Edmonton, AB
June 18, 2026
|
|
|
|
Western Canadian Dealer Summit
Fairmont Banff Springs, AB
November 12-14, 2026
|
|
|
|
Western Canadian Dealer Summit Announcement!
|
Reinventing Automotive, One Decision at a Time
Dealer Principals and General Managers, please join us in beautiful Banff, Alberta, for engaging speakers, plentiful networking opportunities, and invaluable learning experiences. Best of all, stay up to date with the latest best practices for your dealership. Register today for this year’s Western Canadian Dealer Summit.
|
|
|
Gala Keynote Speaker:
Brad Gushue is a Canadian Curler from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Brad is a two-time Olympic Medalist, winning Gold in 2006 and bronze in 2022. He is also the winningest skip in Tim Hortons Brier history, having won the title 5 times. His team is currently ranked #1 in the world.
|
|
|
|
|
Don’t miss out on our early bird special! We are offering a discounted rate for registrations made before June 1.
This offer is non-refundable and requires a booking at the Banff Springs Hotel.
|
|
|
|
The MDA knows the challenges of bringing in young people to work in your dealerships. We started with the online, interactive recruiting support called Career Driven (www.careerdriven.ca). In phase 2, we are working to attend some career fairs and are working on online marketing to get the word out. We understand there may not be a career fair in your area for you to attend, so we wanted to create a simple package of tools to help you host a career fair at your dealership.
In offering you this kit, we wanted to make it easy for your dealership and tie it into the resources already created for Career Driven.
|
|
|
Provincial Sales Information
|
An update on provincial sales around Canada.
|
The provincial sales numbers for March 2026 have been posted at the link below.
|
|
|
CARFAX: Q1 Used Vehicle Market Insights
|
|
|
|
CARFAX Canada’s market report provides a unique view of used-vehicle inventory volume, national average listing prices, and the top-searched models and values.
Here are just a few key takeaways from the report:
|
- The national average used vehicle listing price reached $31,907 in March — up 0.5% month-over-month and down 2.3% year-over-year.
- March inventory rose 31.6% from February and saw a 3.1% year-over-year increase.
- SUVs continue to dominate consumer preference, now making up 55.3% of all used inventory and taking market share away from passenger cars.
- EV prices are down 6.5% year-over-year, with more volatility on the horizon.
|
|
|
Federated Insurance- AI and Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Business
|
Did you know that while AI is simplifying tasks like writing emails and setting reminders, it is also being exploited by cyber attackers? These attackers use AI to create convincing voices and messages that prompt engagement, such as clicking on malicious links, making it harder to detect phishing attempts.
To help you stay vigilant, we’ve created an educational one-minute video that outlines how AI is used in cyber-attacks, the signs to watch for, and best practices for training and security measures to protect your business and employees:
|
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.
|
|
|
CADA Launches Truck Dealer Division at Truck World
|
The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association used Truck World 2026 to introduce a new division aimed at representing heavy- and medium‑duty truck dealers, marking a shift in how the association engages with the commercial vehicle sector. Branded as Canadian Truck Dealers (CTD), it is designed to bring truck dealers into CADA’s federation structure while addressing segment‑specific issues.
|
|
|
MDA unWorkshop meets AI Series: The Modern Digital Dealership
|
|
|
|
|
PBS Winning Edge Tech Centre
3131 114 Ave SE, Calgary, AB.
|
|
|
|
Session 1: Foundations & The AI Marketing Mindset
AI isn't coming; it’s already in your building. The problem? Most dealerships are paying for AI features they don't know they have, or using "dumb" tools for "smart" problems. To win in 2026, your leadership team needs to stop seeing AI as a gadget and start seeing it as a force multiplier. Join us for the foundational session of the MDA AI Series. We are stripping away the jargon to give you a clear-eyed look at the "why" and "wow" of AI. This is where you stop being overwhelmed by the tech and start commanding it to drive dealership growth.
|
|
|
|
MDA Fixed Ops Accelerator Series: New Dates Added!
|
Fixed-Ops Managers: Supercharging Fixed Ops for Service Managers, Fixed Operations Managers and General Managers
|
|
|
Location: PBS Financial Systems Inc., 4041 - 128 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB.
|
June 17, 2026 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
|
|
|
Location: Motor Dealers' Association of Alberta office board room 6248 50 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6B 2N7
|
June 18 2026, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
|
|
|
|
Demystifying Fixed Operations for Service Managers, Fixed Operations managers and General Managers
Fixed operations are the foundation of dealership profitability—yet many Service Managers, Fixed Operations managers and General Managers 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 misconceptions, highlight untapped revenue opportunities, and provide an actionable roadmap to turn fixed operations into a consistent, predictable profit engine.
A delicious lunch will be provided to all registrants as part of your registration fee.
|
|
|
|
CADA 360 Employee Benefits
WE PROVIDE THE KEY PIECES YOUR DEALERSHIP NEEDS
|
CADA 360 completes your dealership with a comprehensive suite of insurance programs and tailored business solutions. Designed for dealers and built to adapt, CADA 360 meets your challenges today and evolves with you for tomorrow.
Choosing CADA 360 strengthens your business and supports advocacy for Canadian dealers.
Visit cada.ca/cada360 to learn more.
|
|
|
See What Your MDA Membership Can Do for You
|
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!
|
|
|
|
