Our Year in Review 2024
Michael Rothe, President & CEO - December 20, 2024 - Featured Content Area
Dear friends,
As we close the door on 2024, we once again celebrate our shared industry resilience and accomplishments. We step into 2025 with renewed focus and excitement, looking ahead to a year of continued success and meaningful progress together.
It is an honor to reflect on some of the highlights with you.
St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador – A New World of Opportunities
2024 CFLA Annual National Conference welcomed over 350 delegates to St. John’s Newfoundland & Labrador. A couple of highlights included Tareq Hadhad’s captivating keynote speech, an insightful geopolitical update from Janice Stein, our popular "Rally in the Alley" networking event, insightful workshops and plenary sessions on our new Certified Leasing & Finance Professionals course and an enlightening economic update from Alan Arcand. We concluded with a powerful closing keynote delivered by Alan Doyle, followed by our Chair’s Banquet, once again with live music.
Innovation & Technology Summit
2024 was the year we hosted our inaugural Innovation & Technology Summit in partnership with the Technology Committee. This sold-out event brought together industry peers and experts to explore the thrilling role of technology in transforming asset finance.
Advocating for You
On the 25 advocacy issues we acted upon from coast to coast this year, we held over 100 meetings with policymakers from all levels of government, had more than 70 meetings with partners in the business and policy community, and participated in dozens of media appearances.
Thanks to the CFLA’s advocacy efforts, the year started well with a third auto leasing deduction limit increase after 20 years without an increase.
Our annual Ottawa Hill Day in April proved a resounding success. We had the opportunity to promote our industry and advocacy priorities at over a dozen meetings with Members of Parliament, senators, and representatives of several government ministries.
Auto theft and the illegal export of stolen vehicles remained a top priority throughout the year. On the provincial level, the Ontario government, in record time, took up the CFLA’s suggestion to leverage the Provincial Offences Act to combat increasing violent car theft and counteract the catch-and-release problem.
In the second half of the year, we were busy with the revisions to Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act, which saw another big win for our industry with the introduction of electronic signatures for leasing in the province.
Our success this year has been driven by the unwavering commitment of our member companies, the insightful leadership of our Board of Directors, and the dedication of our committee volunteers. I am deeply grateful to each of you for your trust and partnership as we continue to elevate our industry together.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we enter 2025, we are excited about the opportunities ahead. We are dedicated to offering even more professional development options, including the upcoming introduction of the Canadian version of the highly respected US-based Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) designation.
None of this progress would be possible without the steadfast support of our member companies, the guidance of our Board of Directors, and the tireless efforts of our committee volunteers. I offer my sincere gratitude to each of you for your continued trust and collaboration as we work together to advance our industry.
As the year draws to a close, I want to extend my warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season to you and your loved ones. We look forward to connecting with you in person at the many exciting events we have planned for 2025.
Our 2024 Annual Report can be viewed at the link.
Yours sincerely,
