The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), which represents off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers serving the agriculture, mining, forestry and construction-related industry sectors, has announced its plan to open an office in Ottawa in 2026.
The organization sees the move as a significant milestone in its commitment to supporting more than 100 member companies in Canada, explaining that the industry supports 152,000 Canadian jobs and contributes $41 billion annually to the national economy. AEM says the investment furthers its goal to be the leading voice for North American equipment manufacturers.
Alexandre Mattard-Michaud, AEM director of government affairs in Canada. (Photo courtesy of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers)
To lead their efforts on the ground, AEM has hired Alexandre Mattard-Michaud as its new director of government affairs in Canada. Based in Ottawa, Mattard-Michaud brings over 20 years of experience in Canadian government and parliamentary affairs. He will be responsible for representing AEM’s member interests and championing the industry’s top policy priorities with lawmakers and regulators.
The association has been helping equipment manufacturers in North America shape policy, connect with stakeholders, and harness data to meet evolving needs for the past 50 years, and sees their expanded physical presence into Canada’s capital as a new era of advocacy and engagement, ensuring AEM has a strong and dedicated voice in policy discussions at the federal and provincial levels in Canada.
“Our members power the nation’s farms, construction sites and supply chains, and their voices deserve to be heard on policies that impact their ability to innovate and create jobs,” said AEM president and CEO Megan Tanel. “With a dedicated presence in Ottawa, AEM will be a more effective advocate and convener, ensuring equipment manufacturers get a seat at the table during critical policy discussions about the future of the Canadian economy.”
The organization says its expanded presence in Ottawa will focus on unleashing the full potential of the Canadian equipment manufacturing industry, advocating for pro-growth policies that help the Canadian equipment manufacturing industry build, power and feed the world.
Additional details about the official office opening are expected to be shared early next year.
