In this new series, Canadian auto dealer meets the provincial associations that represent dealers across the country to learn about their priorities, challenges and work on behalf of members.
As the Saskatchewan Automobile Dealers Association (SADA) prepares to celebrate 85 years of representing the province’s franchised new vehicle dealers in 2027, our priorities reflect many of the challenges reshaping automotive retail across Canada.
Workforce shortages, regulatory change, new technology and changing consumer expectations are all affecting Saskatchewan dealers. Our focus remains on ensuring members have a strong voice and access to the resources they need to operate successfully.
Today, SADA represents 133 franchised new vehicle dealers across Saskatchewan.
Under newly elected President Joe Weinrich, we are continuing to focus on advocacy, education, workforce development and stronger collaboration with government and industry partners.
Among our biggest priorities is finding and developing skilled employees.
SADA has made workforce development a cornerstone of its strategic plan, with a particular emphasis on creating clearer pathways for young people interested in automotive careers.
Through our partnership with Saskatchewan’s Distance Learning Centre (DLC), students from across the province can enrol in automotive technician courses while gaining workplace experience at SADA member dealerships. The program has introduced hundreds of students to careers in automotive retail and continues to expand.
We also maintain a long-standing relationship with Saskatchewan Polytechnic to support apprenticeship training, technical education and closer alignment between classroom programs and dealership needs.
The objective is straightforward: Give students practical skills that employers need while creating opportunities for them to build careers in their own communities.
Through our partnership with Saskatchewan’s Distance Learning Centre (DLC), students from across the province can enrol in automotive technician courses while gaining workplace experience at SADA member dealerships.Dealer Associatio
We are also looking beyond traditional recruitment channels.
With skilled technicians remaining in short supply, SADA continues to explore international recruitment opportunities that could connect dealerships with qualified automotive professionals from outside Canada.
Those efforts are being supplemented by youth outreach, career-awareness initiatives and a new online job board planned for saskautodealers.ca.
Advocacy remains another major part of our mandate.
SADA works closely with Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) on issues affecting dealers and their customers. Recent discussions have included dealer plate modernization, insurance programs, collision repair and workforce development.
The relationship has also supported initiatives aimed at strengthening Saskatchewan’s collision repair workforce through training and apprenticeship opportunities.
At the national level, we work with the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA), other provincial dealer associations and industry partners on broader issues including taxation, regulation, workforce development and industry modernization.
That cooperation is becoming increasingly important as dealers face challenges that often extend well beyond provincial borders.
Our work is supported not only by our dealer members, but also by associate members that provide products, services and expertise to Saskatchewan dealerships.
As SADA approaches its 85th anniversary, our emphasis remains firmly on what comes next.
That means continuing to advocate for dealers, strengthening education and workforce partnerships and building relationships with government and industry organizations that can help Saskatchewan retailers adapt to a rapidly changing automotive market.
Our objective is to ensure Saskatchewan’s dealers remain competitive while developing the people, skills and partnerships the industry will need in the years ahead.
