A Message from the Board of Directors

Driven by advocating on behalf of our Members and the broader public, the Board of Directors of CAA Club Group (CCG) places Member safety at the centre of everything the organization does. Safety for the travelling public, whether it be motorists, pedestrians or cyclists, and the roadside rescuers who support them, guides our priorities and shapes our engagement with government and industry partners.

CAA’s advocacy is always evolving and adapting to the issues that impact our Members the most. Right now, we continue to educate and advocate on the importance of Slow Down, Move Over, and we are making major headway on long-term solutions to combat auto theft. We also continue to underscore the importance of Ontarians understanding their insurance coverage so they can travel fully protected.

Road safety isn’t only about getting to and from where you need to go safely; it’s about making sure everyone along the way is safe as well, and that includes roadside rescuers like tow operators, police, ambulance and fire.

Everyone deserves a safe place to work, including those whose workplace is often on our busiest highways. For first responders and tow truck operators, roadside calls carry significant risk, with far too many incidents each year resulting in injury while assisting motorists. That is why the Slow Down, Move Over (SDMO) law and the awareness of drivers to act upon it, is so critical. The law requires drivers to slow down and, when safe, move over a lane when approaching stopped emergency vehicles. A core element of our advocacy is leadership on SDMO education and enforcement. Through public awareness initiatives, we are working to increase understanding of the law and improve driver compliance. We are also pursuing legislative and regulatory changes to allow tow truck operators to use enhanced visibility tools, such as vehicle‑mounted digital message signs. These concrete actions will make roadside rescues safer for both workers and the people they assist.

Another important issue affecting far too many families is that of auto theft. Beyond property loss, auto theft poses a real safety risk. It takes an emotional toll on those who experience it directly, and its growth has serious implications on affordability. While there are things that consumers can do to protect themselves, that doesn’t solve the root of the problem. Federal vehicle safety regulations have not been updated since 2007 and must be revised to keep pace with modern technology and increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics. This would require vehicle manufacturers to strengthen immobilization standards, improve vehicle security requirements, and adopt measures such as multi-factor authentication. These standards already exist in other jurisdictions and sectors, like banking, and would provide consumers with the level of protection they deserve.

A quickly approaching change that will impact all drivers in Ontario is reforms to auto insurance coverage in the province. Changes are coming into effect on July 1, 2026, and consumer education is critical. While all drivers can continue with their existing coverage, these reforms introduce more choice. Consumers are encouraged to consult a broker or agent before making any changes to their coverage to help ensure they remain properly protected. CCG is committed to supporting Members as they navigate these changes by providing clear communication, tools (including an online hub) and trusted advice to help them make informed coverage decisions to best suit their needs.

Our continued advocacy efforts reflect the Board’s unwavering commitment to safety, affordability and peace of mind for our Members. We are proud of the progress underway and are confident that it will continue to deliver lasting benefits.

The Board wishes you and your family a safe, healthy and enjoyable spring.

Marrianne Bridge

Chair of the Board of Directors