“The Last Ride”
Much work has been done over the past few years to help dealers and the industry. Let’s take a moment to reflect. After three years as the Chief Economist of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA), it is time for …
Category: Economist’s view: Oumar Dicko
It’s time to safely reopen the Canada-U.S. border
We need a concrete border reopening plan that can be released immediately. At the time of this writing, the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Canada and the United States is going full steam ahead. Within a few months, close to 200 …
Now is not the time to introduce a luxury tax
With everything the pandemic has thrown at the automotive industry, what is needed most now is the opportunity to recover. They say spring brings new life; it is the season of hope. It brings transformation and change — from darkness …
The federal budget should focus on recovery, not taxes
The government will present its Budget 2021 in April. Let’s hope it focuses on Canada’s economic recovery, rather than trying to quickly raise money through new taxes to help pay off the national debt. It is not news to anyone …
The friendlier elephant south of our border
International cooperation is much needed now, and with a new president in the White House, the need is even greater. It’s not news to anyone that the Canada-U.S. relationship has not been at its “peak” over the past four years. …
Light at the end of the tunnel
The impact of the COVID-19 crisis on numerous industries has been severe, but the automotive sector has proven resilient in its market. As I am writing this, we have recently welcomed the new year and many of us are reflecting …
Consumer demand, incentive programs drive sales — not mandates
Supporting the right set of incentive policies will be more effective than imposing mandates that could potentially slow the adoption of ZEVs among consumers. The automobile industry fully shares and values the commitment of the federal government to reducing greenhouse …
Dissecting the Throne Speech
The federal government revealed new plans and promises during its Throne Speech, and while there are some wins for dealers — a tax on luxury goods could impact high-end vehicles. Weeks after the resignation of the finance minister and the …
Now is the time for Canada to make changes
With a protectionist U.S. administration on one side and the potential for a second COVID-19 wave on the other, Canada needs to pursue a national strategy to attract global talents and enhance business investment. Vehicle sales in Canada have made …
Stimulus measures needed more than ever
Canada is on the path to a slow and fragile recovery, even as the pandemic is ongoing. Stimulus measures will be needed to accelerate that recovery and shield the economy. Despite a couple of months of gradual economic reopening and …
The dark before the dawn
The COVID-19 impact on the auto sector has been significant, but there is light ahead and certain government measures, if continued or implemented, would help dealerships during the crisis and recovery while boosting consumer interest. Let’s start with the bad …
This too shall pass
The impact of the novel coronavirus has not spared a single person or business in Canada, but while the current and post-crisis future looks grim, the economy will roar back to life when activity resumes. Today, we live in unprecedented …
