The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has announced its plan to open an office in Ottawa in 2026 – a significant milestone in its commitment to supporting more than 100 member companies in Canada. The investment, according to an Oct. 1 news release, furthers AEM’s goal to be the leading voice for North American equipment manufacturers, which power critical sectors such as agriculture, construction, forestry, mining, and utilities.

To lead these 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 twenty 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 equipment manufacturing industry in Canada supports more than 152,000 workers and contributes $41 billion a year to the national economy.

For 50 years, AEM has been a steadfast partner to equipment manufacturers in North America, helping them shape policy, connect with stakeholders, and harness data to meet evolving needs. The announcement further reported that this expanded physical presence into Canada’s capital marks 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.”

AEM’s expanded presence in Ottawa focuses on unleashing the full potential of the Canadian equipment manufacturing industry, advocating for pro-growth policies that help the Canadian men and women of the equipment manufacturing industry better build, power, and feed the world. More details about the official office opening will be shared in early 2026.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is the North America-based international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers with more than 1,100 member companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture, mining, forestry, and construction-related industry sectors worldwide.

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