VSA
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

About us

Our Story

Modernizing the regulatory framework for British Columbia motor dealers began in November 1997. As a result, the Automotive Retailers Association, the New Car Dealers Association and the Recreationโ€ฏVehicleโ€ฏDealers Association created the Motor Dealer Standards Association.โ€ฏ Based on the success of this organization, the industry associations worked with government to create a new, independent regulatory agency.โ€ฏ The VSA was incorporated under theโ€ฏSociety Actโ€ฏin July 2003 as the Motor Dealer Council.โ€ฏ The name was changed to theโ€ฏVehicleโ€ฏSales Authority in 2007.

The VSA is given authority to administer theโ€ฏMotor Dealer Act, parts of theโ€ฏBusiness Practices and Consumer Protection Actโ€ฏand associated regulations through aโ€ฏdelegation agreementโ€ฏwith the Government of British Columbia.โ€ฏ The agreement is supervised by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

The VSA has a twelve-member Board of Directors with six vehicle sales industry appointees, four members of the general public and two government appointees.

The VSA:

  • Licenses motorโ€ฏvehicleโ€ฏdealerships, salespeople, broker agents, broker agent representatives and wholesalers
  • Provides licensing courses and continuing education forโ€ฏvehicleโ€ฏsalespeople, broker agent representatives and wholesaler representatives
  • Offers consumer information and assistance
  • Investigates consumer complaints and provides dispute resolution
  • Undertakes compliance action as needed

What new and used vehicles are included?

  • Automobiles and light trucks
  • Motorcycles and mopeds for on-road use
  • Recreational vehicles and trailers for recreational purposes

Purpose

The essence of why the Vehicles Sales Authority of BC exists, how we operate, and what we are aspiring to is reflected in our Purpose Statement. We build confidence in the BC motor dealer industry by engaging and educating industry and consumers, and by ensuring a safe and reliable motor vehicle buying experience.

Values

We build public confidence in the motor dealer industry in BC by engaging and educating industry and consumers, and by ensuring a safe and reliable motor vehicle buying experience.

  • Respect each other
  • Do the right thing
  • Listen to all sides
  • Be open, honest and fair
  • Make it happen together

The BC Government has delegated to the VSA responsibility for administering the Motor Dealer Act and portions of the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act in relation to consumer vehicle purchases from licensees. The VSA cannot change legislation or advocate for its change on behalf of anyone. If you have concerns about the legislation or want to advocate for change to the legislation, you should speak to the following:

  1. For the general public, speak to the constituency office of your local Member of the Legislative Assembly. Find your MLA here
  2. If you are from industry, speak to
    1. New Car Dealers Association of BC, for franchise vehicle dealers
    2. Automotive Retailers Association of BC, for used vehicle dealers
    3. Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of BC, for RV and trailer dealers, or
    4. Motorcycle Powersport BC, for motorcycle and powersport dealers, or
    5. If you are a licensee and not a member of an association, you can speak to your local MLA.
      Find your MLA here

The VSA currently has a reporting relationship with the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Be the first to know.

Want to learn more? Sign up for our consumer mailing list and be the first to know when we add fresh new content.