VSA industry communications feature regulatory updates, legislation updates and industry specific news, and are the primary source of communication between the VSA and the vehicle sales industry. If you have questions or would like to subscribe, please contact VSA Communications.
August 8 – BC Government Proposed Legislation Changes
August 22 – Reminder: BC Government Proposed Legislation Changes
February 1 – Compliance Activities from April 1 to December 31, 2023
March 19 – Visiting the Auto Show? Get your Tim Hortons gift card!
May 7 – Complaint and Investigation increases between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024
July 16 – Increasing Cyber Security Measures
November 13 – An Update on Connector: Changes for Consumer Complaints about Deposits and Dealer Fees
December 14 – Fraudulent Transactions
March 1 –ย FRAUD Identity & Credit
September 10 – Dealerships will not be able to Register Vehicles through Brokers on Sunday, September 11
November 25 – RV Trailer Length Update & Competition Act Amendment
August 31 – Important Considerations When Advertising Vehicles
June 21 – GAP Insurance – Vehicle Loyalty Products
June 13 – End of temporary number plates, reminders about decal elimination and documents on plain paper
May 5 – Announcement: New Registrar Appointed Kenneth Affleck
April 21 – Learning & Development Erroneous Auto-Generated Email
March 18 – Fee Increase
February 23 – BC Government Update on Taxes of EV’s
February 22 – Identifying Flood-Damaged Vehicles
February 17 – Fee Increase Feedback Opportunity
December 12 – Announcement: New CEO – Ian Christman
November 8 – Continuing Education: Online Registration & Payment
March 25 – Deceptive Acts when ending Consumer Lease Agreements; Annual Compensation Fund Fee waived
Other topics: 2021 Continuing Education reminder
February 25 – Continuing Education (CE) Unit announced; RV Gas Safety Inspection Reminder
Other topics: COVID-19 VSA office reminder
February 24 – Gas Safety Inspection Recommendations of Recreational Vehicles
January 21 – Compliance activities from October 1 to December 31, 2020
Other topics: COVID-19 VSA office reminder
November 25 – Potential FRAUD: Identity & Credit
November 5 – Potential Trade-in of Stolen Trailer: Summerland RV
October 1 – Tax Changes for Resellers
September 24 – Recall Best Practises
July 30 – Fake ID Alert (BCDL)
July 13 – ALERT: Identity Fraud & Vehicle Theft
June 17 – ALERT: Credit Card Fraud
January 23 – Stolen vehicle
January 14 – Credit card fraud resulting in the purchase of a vehicle
December 17 – Release agreements & public interest
Other topics: Reminder of when wholesale licences are required; The new VSA website and updated online services portal
November 26 – Compliance activities from July 1 – September 30, 2020
Other topics: COVID-19 office reminders
November 18 – New VSA website and online licensee services
Other topics: What it means for you and changes to the licensing courses
October 26 – Credit checks, hard inquiries & credit scores
Other topics: Advertising cash vs. finance price; Online salesperson applications temporarily unavailable starting November 1
September 30 – The VSA welcomes new President & CEO, Stephen Simms
September 17 – Hail & flood damaged vehicles
Other topics: What you need to know and additional information
September 14 – Continuing education deferral expires October 1
Other topics: How to complete continuing education requirement
July 31 – Compliance activities from April 1 – June 30, 2020
Other topics: COVID-19 office reminders
July 9 – Wholesale transaction requirements
Other topics: Signed wholesale agreement; Wholesale auction requirements
May 28 – Is your COVID-19 Safety plan ready?
Other topics: VSA Langley office updates for COVID-19
April 23 – Compliance activities from January 1 – March 31, 2020
April 21 – What you need to know about motor dealer online sales
Other topics: Distance sales webinar; Farewell to Loree Gray
April 6 – E-Commerce and Distance sales
Other topics: Distance sales webinar
April 3 – COVID-19 Industry update
Other topics: Salesperson licensing, licensing course, dealer inspections & investigations, distance sales & advertising
March 17 – COVID-19 Response – office closure notice
Other topics: What this means for you
February 25 – Continuing education unit announced
Other topics: What this means for you
February 10 – Salesperson licence application update – new and improved
Other topics: Annual Compensation Fund fee waived
January 16 – Compliance activities from October 1 – December 31, 2019
November 28 – Advertising total price when incentives are available
Other topics: Salesperson licensing course, now self study format
November 8 – Compliance restructuring, Industry Standards & Investigations
Other topics: New direction & structure; What’s next?
October 29 – Compliance activities from July 1 – September 30
September 26 – Referral programs are illegal in BC
Other topics: Bird dogging
July 12 – Compliance activities from April 1 – June 30
June 3 – Industry Code of Conduct for posting
Other topics: PDF version also available; Deadline for regulatory update extended
May 14 – Documenting 2 dealer transactions
Other topics: Dealer numbers and names must be accurate; VSA new board members
April 24 – Selling modified vehicles
Other topics: What this means
April 8 – Compliance activities from January 1 – March 31
March 12 – Advertising offers or discounts
Other topics: ‘Scrap it’ program advertising; Tim Hortons cards available for salespeople at VIAS
March 1 – New Industry Code of Conduct – Part 2
Other topics: Code of Conduct frequently asked questions
March 1 – New Industry Code of Conduct – Part 1
Other topics: Plain language version code of conduct
January 29 – Lessons from consumer complaints
Other topics: Mark Bakken elected VSA Board Chair
January 16 – Compliance activities from October 1 – December 31, 2018
December 4 – Curbing compliance activities
Other topics: What is a compliance order?
November 20 – Vehicle history reports must be used properly
Other topics: Jim Nicolson joins the VSA Board of Directors
November 8 – Wholesaler licenses for dealers
Other topics: Mark Bakken joins the VSA Board of Directors; Mary Childs joins the Compensation fund board
October 17 – Compliance activities from July 1 – September 30
September 13 – Wholesale transactions and licensing frequently asked questions
Other topics: Wholesale licensing; Auction faqs
July 31 – Compliance activities from April 1 – June 30
Other topics: Undertakings
July 25 – Compliance activities from April 1 – June 30
Other topics: Registrar’s Decisions & Judicial Review
July 3 – VSA Welcomes Loree Gray as new President
May 29 – Farewell message from Graeme Roberts
Other topics: VSA Annual Report 2017-2018 available online
May 23 – Revised Advertising Guidelines available
Other topics: Arash Askarian joins the VSA Board of Directors; Wholesaler & Broker Agent licensing update
May 1 – Motor Dealer Act Amendments – Part 5
Other topics: Wholesale auction requirements; Todd Follett joins the Motor Dealer Customer Compensation Fund board
April 5 – Licensing Reminder – Transactions with unlicensed businesses
Other topics: Licensed wholesalers & broker agents; Compliance activities from January 1 – March 31, 2018
March 22 – Offsite sale & marketing event reminder
Other topics: Consignment sale requirements; Administrative penalties now an option for violations of the Motor Dealer Act
March 8 – Motor Dealer Act Amendments – Part 4
Other topics: Wholesalers; Broker Agents & Broker Agent Representatives
February 20 – Motor Dealer Act Amendments – Part 3
Other topics: E-Commerce; Inventory defined; Motor Dealer Act exemptions clarified; Salesperson Licensing Regulation clarified
February 6 – Motor Dealer Act Amendments – Part 2
Other topics: Customer Compensation fund changes; Annual compensation fund fee waived for fiscal year 2018-2019
February 2 – No fee increases for motor dealers & salespeople for new fiscal year
January 24 – Highschool buying tips movie released
Other topics: School outreach; Auto sector careers; Salesperson licensing course goes province wide
January 17 – Motor Dealer Act Amendments – Part 1
Other topics: Administrative penalties curbers, increased fairness & transparency
January 9 – Compliance activities from October 1 to December 31, 2017
Other topics: Salesperson licensing webinar goes province wide
December 5 – VSA launches high school car buying tips
Other topics: School outreach; Auto sector careers programming
November 22 – Inaccurate ownership documentation
Other topics: Documentation requirements of a licensed dealer; Creditors & Co-signers; Financing misrepresented as a lease; Consumer consent is not relevant
November 8 – Motor Dealer Act amendments approved
Other topics: Confirmation by the registrar
November 2 – Using MSRP in advertising – samples
November 1 – Using MSRP in advertising – additional concerns for RVs
Other topics: VSA appoints new manager of compliance & investigations
October 31 – Using MSRP in advertising – a caution
Other topics: Competition Bureau guidance
October 19 – Compliance activities from April 1 to September 30
September 19 – Salesperson certification webinar goes province wide
Other topics: 2016/2017 Annual report available online
September 13 – Flood vehicles in BC
Other topics: Reasons to avoid buying or selling a flood vehicle by error; What is a flood damaged vehicle? ARA adds expertise to powersport division
August 16 – Website upgrades
Other topics: Advanced search; Licensing course manual now online
August 1 – Dealer records, a reminder
Other topics: Documents that must be kept and for how long
July 18 – Compliance activities from April 1 to June 30
July 7 – RVs & motorcycles offer special challenges
Other topics: MSRP & savings claims for vehicles; Motorcycles, RVs & history reports; Canadians demand trust & transparency in vehicle purchases
June 19 – Adjustable inspection intervals implemented
Other topics: Two advertising reminders; desktop tent cards available
April 4 – Compliance activities from January 1 to March 31
March 21 – Sales documents must be given to buyer
Other topics: Improper dealership practices to restrict export
March 8 – Letgo.com – Remember, advertising rules apply
Other topics: Strategic Business Plan highlights VSA goals & strategies
February 21 – Annual compensation fund fee waived for fiscal year 2017/2018
Other topics: Fee waiver a result of reduced compensation fund activity; Compensation Fund Board welcomes Bill Kwok
February 7 – Sample deposit agreement simplified
Other topics: Driver’s licences & test drives
January 24 – Consumer privacy matters
Other topics: Personal information requirements; Credit checks; Salesperson licence renewals going paperless; VSA logo use update
January 10 – Compliance activities from October 1 to December 31, 2016
Other topics: VSA works to shut down scam website
December 6 – Consumer referral fees
Other topics: Bird dogging; Public-at-large member needed for the compensation fund board
November 15 – Vehicle auctions in BC โ Part 2
Other topics: Specific compliance concerns for BC vehicle auctions; Required disclosures; Vehicle safety; Operation of unsafe vehicles; Misrepresentation of material facts; โAs is, where isโ may be misleading
November 9 – Vehicle auctions in BC Part 1
Other topics: Auction types & licensing; Requirements of a public auction licensed as a motor dealer; Other auction types
October 24 – British Columbians confident in vehicle sales industry
Other topics: Confidence in vehicle sales industry chart
September 27 – Improper insurance practices identified
Other topics: Potential outcomes; Update on VSA logo use
September 13 โ Display of the VSA logo now allowed
Other topics: Authorization request options; Sample logos for advertising & websites
August 23 – CARPROOF Glass record reporting enhanced
Other topics: Damage disclosure best practices
August 11 – Advertising, Total price & dealer fees: avoiding misrepresentation about price
Other topics: Definition of total price; Accurate representation of added fees; Examples of misrepresentation regarding price; Advertising best practices
July 26 – Application of the Motor Dealer Amendments Act of 2016
Other topics: Licensing Non-compliance; Salespeople must be licensed immediately; Authorized spokesperson contact must be current
July 13 – Warning to Richmond used car buyers
Other topics: Arthur Tong
July 5 – Compliance activities from April 1 to June 30
June 14 – Two (2) dealer transactions
Other topics: Compensation fund board welcomes Ian Moore
May 30 – Motor Dealer Act amendments move forward
Other topics: New licence categories; Motor Dealer Customer Compensation fund changes; Electronic documents; E-commerce; RV reminder, dual VINs & model years
May 12 – VSA consumer satisfaction improves
Other topics: New online learning platform launches
May 5 – Recall best practices
Other topics: Frequently asked questions (faqs)
April 26 – Advertising reminders โ Part 2
Other topics: Dealer compliance in national ads; Total price of vehicle; Tire levy on new vehicles; Air conditioning tax; Battery levy
April 19 – Advertising reminders โ Part 1
Other topics: Marketing campaigns
April 7 – Compliance activities from January 1 โ March 31
April 1 – VSA at the 2016 Vancouver International Auto Show
Other topics: Ken Robertson appointed to the VSA board
February 18 – Legislative proposals focus on unlicensed selling
Other topics: New consumer protection authority; Enhancing existing powers
February 10 – Compensation fund Questions & Answers
Other topics: When was the compensation fund established; Why was the compensation fund established; How did the creation of the compensation fund benefit consumers; How did the creation of the compensation fund benefit dealers; What types of losses are eligible for compensation; What claims are not eligible
January 27 – Unlicensed salespeople results in dealer suspension
Other topics: Off-road vehicles & the VSA; No compensation fund waiver for fiscal year
January 13 – Compliance activities from September 1 โ December 31, 2015
December 15 – Financing enquiries & complaints rise dramatically
Other topics: Donโt forget, salespeople can connect with the VSA
December 1 – Registrarโs draft rules
Other topics: Comments needed within 45 days
November 17 – Vehicle history reports: how to choose?
Other topics: Dealer number required in all online advertising
November 3 – Compliance critical for insurance sales
Other topics: Creditors Group Insurance (CGI) compliance; Reminder from the insurance council of BC; VSA oversight
October 7 – Warranty complaints grow
Other topics: Unreported marketing staff creates liability
September 24 – Recall Frequently asked questions (faqs)
Other topics: What does the VSA tell consumers about recalls on new & used vehicles? Can I sell a vehicle with an outstanding recall? Who decides if a recall is material? What are the best practices with regard to buying or selling vehicles with recalls?
September 15 – Walt the curber
September 1 – Compliance activities from April 1 to August 31
August 6 – Consumer rights in distance sales contracts
Other topics: What is a distance sales contract; consumer protections under the BPCPA; Right to inspect under the Sale of Goods Act; Registrarโs jurisdiction
July 14 – Lease-end inspection fees, when are they legal?
Other topics: Lease-end buy out inspections; What is not legal; Protecting your dealership; Role of the VSA
July 3 – Website redesign launches
June 23 – Push, pull or drag sales โ are they legal?
Other topics: Walt the curber in Cariboo & North
June 3 – VSA Annual Report available online
Other topics: Copying driverโs licences still a concern; Bill 18 receives royal assent
May 20 – Salesperson licensing reduces risk for dealers, criminal record check a critical step
Other topics: Remember, checking the VSA website for the status of a new hire is easy
May 7 – Legislative changes impact the role of the registrar
Other topics: Non-CSA compliant RVs, BC Safety Authority Directive & informational bulletin; Compensation fund board welcomes Darlene Hyde as Chair
April 21 – Compliance activities from April 1 โ March 31, 2015
Other topics: Judicial reviews by BC Supreme Court
April 7 – Regulatory update Part 2
Other topics: Misleading advertising puts Avis & Budget at risk for $30 million penalty; VSA strategic business plan available online; $1.1 million penalty for breach of Canadas anti-spam legislation
March 24 – Regulatory update Part 1
Other topics: Insurance council of BC fines dealers for unlicensed sales & improper practices; Inhouse financing & leasing compliance; VSA at the auto show
March 2 – Copying driverโs licences for test drives
Other topics: Privacy concerns addressed by privacy commissioner; Reminder โ Changing dealer ownership? The dealer licence is not for sale
February 23 – Finance placement fees
Other topics: Recommended practices; Dealer finance fees are brokerage fees; Legal requirements
February 12 – Selling uninspected, potentially unsafe vehicles
Other topics: Annual compensation fund fee waived; Motorcycle advertising guidelines
January 23 – Product specialists & salespeople: same licence
Other topics: ARA proposes expanded inspection program; AirCare data no longer available
December 11 – ARA proposes expanded inspection program
Other topics: Salesperson licence status added
November 20 – Documenting names: a clarification
Other topics: Additional compensation fund resources added
October 28 – Leasing Reminder
Other topics: Cooling off period waiver; One clear day; Lease buy-out inspections
October 6 – Continuing education well established
Other topics: Walt is back!; Licensed salespeople tops 7,000
September 18 – Recall concerns & best practices
Other topics: Registrar visits motorcycle dealers
August 21 – Compensation fund decisions added to website
Other topics: Offering a rebate? Make sure itโs advertised correctly
July 30 – All-in pricing continues to expand
Other topics: Dealers need to make accurate representations
June 27 – Canadaโs new anti-spam legislation takes effect July 1
Other topics: Continuing education module two, privacy for salespeople
June 17 – VSA consumer service survey drives planning
Other topics: Salesperson satisfaction with specific interactions
June 3 – Continuing education registration opens
Other topics: Compensation fund board welcomes Wendy Baker
May 29 – Registrarโs decisions upheld by BC Supreme Court
May 22 – Annual report available
Other topics: Compensation fund activity; New VSA board member; Salesperson blog delayed
May 12 – New dealer licence decal for public display
Other topics: Salesperson licences expire June 1
April 10 – VSA works to drive buyers to licensed dealers
Other topics: Motorcycle advertising; 2014 Vancouver international auto show
March 24 – Walt the Curber makes his debut
Other topics: Online continuing education program
March 10 – ICBC issues revised APV9T form
Other topics: ICBC announces new salvage buying agreement
February 24 – More on declarations, disclosures and material facts
Other topics: Annual compensation fund fee waived; dealer licensing fee adjustment completed
February 11 – Questions & answers about damage declarations
Other topics: Frequently asked questions
January 23 – Demo plate doโs & donโts
Other topics: Course registration for new salespeople; Key management crucial; Hurry, deadline for prizes is January 29
January 9 – Interest rates & financing representations
Other topics: Tapping a $900 million market: Private sales
December 10 – All salespeople must be licensed
Other topics: Accurately advertising a vehicle warranty
December 3 – Vehicle history reports: an overview
Other topics: $137,000 Judgement a reminder to dealers
November 26 – Database conversion complete & online services restored
Other topics: Salesperson advertising could commit dealer to lower price
October 28 – Online continuing education program announced
Other topics: Online advertising & sold vehicles
October 2 – Consumer confidence rising, survey says
Other topics: Confidence in the motor vehicle sales industry
September 11 – RV Registration โ Which VIN & model year
Other topics: Representatives needed
August 28 – Two (2) Dealer transactions: a reminder
Other topics: Is the Vehicle New or Used; Check for Canadian flood damaged vehicles
July 29 – Dealer opportunities โ VSA consumer complaint handling
Other topics: New structural integrity inspection requirements; PST tax exemptions for first nations
July 3ย – Flood damaged vehicles
Other topics: New consumer consent form for insurance brokers; Dealer alert update
June 19 – Best practices for obtaining credit checks
Other topics: Annual report now available online
June 6 – Dealer associations introduce standardized purchase agreement
Other topics: Salesperson advisory committee meets Tuesday; VSA online services improved & restored; PST update
May 16 – Dealers must ensure all sales & consumer involved office staff are licensed
Other topics: New board members appointed to salesperson advisory committee
April 11 – Accurate presentation of additional products needed
Other topics: Annual compensation fund fee waived-a reminder; Salesperson spotlight
April 5 – Nairn McKenna appointed to VSA board
Other topics: Board members & officers reappointed; Vancouver International Auto Show
March 19 – Annual compensation fund fee waived
Other topics: Dealer Licensing fee adjustment continues; Online services available through March 28; Online PST resources available
March 6 – All-in pricing expands throughout Canada
Other topics: PST notices available online; Counterfeit air bags imported to BC
January 31 – Planning ahead for Spring special sales events
Other topics: Dealership security & key box management critical; Shopper haunts lower mainland dealerships; PST re-implementation resources for motor vehicle sales
January 17 – Online Advertising tips
Other topics: Consumer online behaviour revealed; Compliance tips for online advertising; RCMP recommends charges for Southwest RV dealer principal
November 27 – Financing & insurance practices put dealer and consumer at risk
Other topics : 27% of US salvage vehicles get retitled
November 15 – Registrarโs clarifications
Other topics : What is a salesperson; What is an off-site sale?; Watch out for Hurricane Sandy vehicles
October 30 – Credit check practices โ recent consumer complaints prompt reminder
Other topics : New hire process at Carson Automotive Group aids salesperson licensing; Used vehicle buying concerns & Solutions highlighted in Vancouver Sun article
October 12 – Insurance council issues new requirements
Other topics : Local government relationship stops unlicensed selling; Whatโs New added to VSA website
September 25 – Dealerships creating liability with unreported ownership changes
Other topics : 2012 VSA Annual Report available online
September 10 – Regional representatives needed
Other topics : CarProof disclosure form
July 3 – VSA welcomes Jay Chambers as new President
Other topics : Reminder from ICBC โ plates from leased vehicles not being cancelled
May 17 – No details in consolidated ICBC vehicle history report
Other topics : VSA board member update; VSA staff update
March 19 – HST on Trade-ins
Other topics : New registrar appointed; Curber found in contempt of court and fined;
January 17 – Dealer fee restructuring
Other topics : Revised dealer licence fees; VSA annual report online; Condolences Bob Clarke
December 30 – Dealer best practices โ deposits โ What you should know about deposits
Other topics : VSA Curber conference 2011
October 7 – Industry, Compliance & Licensing โ Cooperation works
Other topics : Mall licensing; Recent VSA hearing decisions
August 18 – Learning department continues to deliver
Other topics : Manager of compliance and investigations; Strategic business plan
June 14 – Illegal tinting comes back to haunt motor dealer
Other topics : Important notice from ICBC; Recent VSA hearing decisions
March 2 – Lease-end buy out
Other topics : Reminder from ICBC; Frequently asked questions (faq); Level 2 salesperson course makes an impact
January 19 – APV9T forms changed โ Damage reports are โcumulativeโ not per incident
Other topics : Accidents vs. damage
December 23 – Lease disclosure โ are your leasing agreements compliant?
Other topics : Donโt put your dealership or licence at risk
December 21 – Lien Checks โ Donโt risk losing the vehicle or the sale
Other topics: Donโt put your dealership or licence at risk
November 15 – Dynamic action by AutoCanada โ Cooperation pays dividends
Other topics : Checklist every dealer should note
November 2 – ICBC Vehicle history reports significantly improved
Other topics : Frequently asked questions (faq) about vehicle history reports; Motor Dealer Customer Compensation fund, a notable public-private success story
October 25 – Is your sales contest an illegal lottery?
October 6 – Beware of marketing companies โ sales blitzes by out-of-town โexpertsโ
Other topics : New consumer videos on the VSA website; Unlicensed new hires remain a problem
October 1 – Registrar cancels salesperson licence
Other topics : VSA Annual report now available
June 30 – New APV9T Transfer Tax form
June 11 – Four dealership failures impact compensation fund
Other topics : VSA General Guidelines; Dealer issued conditional licence
May 20 – Dealers must ensure all sales & consumer involved office staff are licensed
Other topics: Renew online; Conditional licences; see if your sales staff are properly registered
April 16 – Curber videos now on the website
Other topics: Morrey Auto Group
March 24 – VSA salesperson licence application now includes a criminal record check fee
Other topics : Open Road Auto Group
March 22 – Transfer/Tax form requires complete vehicle declaration (APV9T)
Other topics: Additional information about APV9T
March 16 – Motorcycle/PowerSports division of the ARA proposed
Other topics : Motorcycle & PowerSports Industry meets to discuss issues
February 8 – Level 2 salesperson sessions
Other topics : Special level 2 course for dealer principals & general managers
January 15 – Clarification of insurance council requirements โ licensing to sell anti-theft insurance
Other topics : Anti-theft or etching insurance must be disclosed as optional
January 13 – Etching program sales require insurance licence โ Insurance council publishes guidelines
January 6 – Salesperson banned for a minimum of five years
Other topics : VSA licence & course fees on the website
