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 RecreationโฏVehicleโฏDealers Association created the Motor Dealer Standards Association.โฏ Based on the success of this organization, the industry associations worked with government to create a new, independent regulatory agency.โฏ The VSA was incorporated under theโฏSociety Actโฏin July 2003 as the Motor Dealer Council.โฏ The name was changed to theโฏVehicleโฏSales Authority in 2007.
The VSA is given authority to administer theโฏMotor Dealer Act, parts of theโฏBusiness Practices and Consumer Protection Actโฏand associated regulations through aโฏdelegation agreementโฏwith the Government of British Columbia.โฏ 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:
What new and used vehicles are included?
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.
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:
