March, 2026 

In our first-ever President’s Message Video, MDA President Gerald Wood congratulates the 2025 Dealer of Excellence winners, Mike Lowe of Northgate Chevrolet and Paul Morrison of High River Ford, and provides timely updates on major industry developments. He discusses insights from recent national events, outlines key changes to the redesigned EV incentive program and the new bill-of-sale disclosure requirements, and highlights workforce initiatives, including CareerDriven.ca, a potential RAP draft pilot in Edmonton, and ongoing curriculum discussions with SAIT. Gerald also previews an upcoming Legislature Day at the Alberta Legislature Building and shares early details about the 2026 Western Canadian Dealer Summit at the Fairmont Banff Springs.

Watch the video and access important additional resources by clicking below. 

Calgary International Auto and Truck Show
Calgary, AB
March 12-15, 2026

Fixed-Ops Accelerator: Calgary, March 26th
Calgary, AB
March 26, 2026

Fixed-Ops Accelerator: Edmonton, March 27th
Edmonton, AB
March 27, 2026

Edmonton Auto Experience
Edmonton, AB
April 9-12, 2026

Effective Communication Strategies for Service Advisors
Online
April 15, 2026

Keys to Communication Receptionist Training
Online
April 16, 2026

Effective Communication Strategies for Service Advisors
Online
April 22, 2026

Dealer Huddle NEXT 2026 
Calgary, AB
April 22, 2026

Keys to Communication Receptionist Training
Online
April 23, 2026

MDA Chair Colby Longmate and MDA President Gerald Wood presented Paul Morrison of High River Ford with his Dealer of Excellence Award. 

The MDA awards the Dealer of Excellence annually to one metro dealer from Calgary or Edmonton and one non-metro dealer from the rest of the province. The award criteria are business acumen, community involvement and association/industry involvement. 

An update on provincial sales around Canada.

The provincial sales numbers for January 2026 have been posted at the link below.

Did you know that electrical fires account for 20% of all fires in Canada?1 The majority of these incidents are caused by aging systems, irregular service maintenance, or improperly installed components by contractors—and they can happen in any business, regardless of size or industry.

To help you reduce the risk of electrical fires, we’ve created a resource that highlights the simple, yet effective ways to safeguard your business. From regular inspections and thermal imaging, to following fire safety best practices, these proactive measures can help prevent many of these fires before they start.

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.

Supercharging Fixed Ops for Fixed Operations Managers, 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.

Alberta’s automotive market isn’t constrained by demand.
It’s constrained by how fast dealerships can act on that demand.

Inventory turns quickly. Buyers move fast. Competition doesn’t wait.

Yet inside many dealerships, execution speed still lags behind market velocity — and that gap quietly costs revenue every single day.

Industry research consistently shows that response time is one of the strongest predictors of conversion. Leads contacted within the first 5 minutes are dramatically more likely to turn into real conversations and sales than those contacted later, while delays beyond the first few minutes lead to steep drop-offs in connection and conversion rates.

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:

-Compensation
-Retention and turnover
-Time off and benefits

Enroll and participate online! The submission deadline is March 31st.

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 visit cada.ca/cada360 to learn more.

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!