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
Other topics: COVID-19 VSA office reminder
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, 2020Other topics: COVID-19 office reminders
November 18 - New VSA website and online licensee servicesOther topics: What it means for you and changes to the licensing courses
October 26 - Credit checks, hard inquiries & credit scoresOther topics: Advertising cash vs. finance price; Online salesperson applications temporarily unavailable starting November 1
September 30 - The VSA welcomes new President & CEO, Stephen SimmsOther topics: What you need to know and additional information
September 14 - Continuing education deferral expires October 1Other topics: How to complete continuing education requirement
July 31 - Compliance activities from April 1 - June 30, 2020Other topics: COVID-19 office reminders
July 9 - Wholesale transaction requirementsOther 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, 2020Other topics: Distance sales webinar; Farewell to Loree Gray
April 6 - E-Commerce and Distance salesOther topics: Distance sales webinar
April 3 - COVID-19 Industry updateOther topics: Salesperson licensing, licensing course, dealer inspections & investigations, distance sales & advertising
March 17 - COVID-19 Response - office closure noticeOther topics: What this means for you
February 25 - Continuing education unit announcedOther topics: What this means for you
February 10 - Salesperson licence application update - new and improvedOther topics: Annual Compensation Fund fee waived
January 16 - Compliance activities from October 1 - December 31, 2019Other topics: Salesperson licensing course, now self study format
November 8 - Compliance restructuring, Industry Standards & InvestigationsOther topics: New direction & structure; What's next?
October 29 - Compliance activities from July 1 - September 30Other topics: Bird dogging
July 12 - Compliance activities from April 1 - June 30Other topics: PDF version also available; Deadline for regulatory update extended
May 14 - Documenting 2 dealer transactionsOther topics: Dealer numbers and names must be accurate; VSA new board members
April 24 - Selling modified vehiclesOther topics: What this means
April 8 - Compliance activities from January 1 - March 31Other topics: 'Scrap it' program advertising; Tim Hortons cards available for salespeople at VIAS
March 1 - New Industry Code of Conduct - Part 2Other topics: Code of Conduct frequently asked questions
March 1 - New Industry Code of Conduct - Part 1Other topics: Plain language version code of conduct
January 29 - Lessons from consumer complaintsOther topics: Mark Bakken elected VSA Board Chair
January 16 - Compliance activities from October 1 - December 31, 2018Other topics: What is a compliance order?
November 20 - Vehicle history reports must be used properlyOther topics: Jim Nicolson joins the VSA Board of Directors
November 8 - Wholesaler licenses for dealersOther topics: Mark Bakken joins the VSA Board of Directors; Mary Childs joins the Compensation fund board
October 17 - Compliance activities from July 1 - September 30Other topics: Wholesale licensing; Auction faqs
July 31 - Compliance activities from April 1 - June 30Other topics: Undertakings
July 25 - Compliance activities from April 1 - June 30Other topics: Registrar's Decisions & Judicial Review
July 3 - VSA Welcomes Loree Gray as new PresidentOther topics: VSA Annual Report 2017-2018 available online
May 23 - Revised Advertising Guidelines availableOther topics: Arash Askarian joins the VSA Board of Directors; Wholesaler & Broker Agent licensing update
May 1 - Motor Dealer Act Amendments - Part 5Other topics: Wholesale auction requirements; Todd Follett joins the Motor Dealer Customer Compensation Fund board
April 5 - Licensing Reminder - Transactions with unlicensed businessesOther topics: Licensed wholesalers & broker agents; Compliance activities from January 1 - March 31, 2018
March 22 - Offsite sale & marketing event reminderOther topics: Consignment sale requirements; Administrative penalties now an option for violations of the Motor Dealer Act
March 8 - Motor Dealer Act Amendments - Part 4Other topics: Wholesalers; Broker Agents & Broker Agent Representatives
February 20 - Motor Dealer Act Amendments - Part 3Other topics: E-Commerce; Inventory defined; Motor Dealer Act exemptions clarified; Salesperson Licensing Regulation clarified
February 6 - Motor Dealer Act Amendments - Part 2Other 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 yearOther topics: School outreach; Auto sector careers; Salesperson licensing course goes province wide
January 17 - Motor Dealer Act Amendments - Part 1Other topics: Administrative penalties curbers, increased fairness & transparency;
January 9 - Compliance activities from October 1 to December 31, 2017Other topics: Salesperson licensing webinar goes province wide
Other topics: School outreach; Auto sector careers programming
November 22 - Inaccurate ownership documentationOther 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 approvedOther topics: Confirmation by the registrar
November 2 - Using MSRP in advertising - samplesOther topics: VSA appoints new manager of compliance & investigations
October 31 - Using MSRP in advertising - a cautionOther topics: Competition Bureau guidance
October 19 - Compliance activities from April 1 to September 30Other topics: 2016/2017 Annual report available online
September 13 - Flood vehicles in BCOther 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 upgradesOther topics: Advanced search; Licensing course manual now online
August 1 - Dealer records, a reminderOther topics: Documents that must be kept and for how long
July 18 - Compliance activities from April 1 to June 30Other topics: MSRP & savings claims for vehicles; Motorcycles, RVs & history reports; Canadians demand trust & transparency in vehicle purchases
June 19 - Adjustable inspection intervals implementedOther topics: Two advertising reminders; desktop tent cards available
April 4 - Compliance activities from January 1 to March 31Other topics: Improper dealership practices to restrict export
March 8 - Letgo.com - Remember, advertising rules applyOther topics: Strategic Business Plan highlights VSA goals & strategies
February 21 - Annual compensation fund fee waived for fiscal year 2017/2018Other topics: Fee waiver a result of reduced compensation fund activity; Compensation Fund Board welcomes Bill Kwok
February 7 - Sample deposit agreement simplifiedOther topics: Driver's licences & test drives
January 24 - Consumer privacy mattersOther 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, 2016Other topics: VSA works to shut down scam website
Other topics: Bird dogging; Public-at-large member needed for the compensation fund board
November 15— Vehicle auctions in BC – Part 2Other topics: Specific compliance concerns for BC vehicle auctions; Required disclosures; Vehicle safety; Operation of unsafe vehicles; Misrepresentation of material facts; ‘As is, where is’ may be misleading
November 9— Vehicle auctions in BC Part 1Other 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 industryOther topics: Confidence in vehicle sales industry chart
September 27— Improper insurance practices identifiedOther topics: Potential outcomes; Update on VSA logo use
September 13— Display of the VSA logo now allowedOther topics: Authorization request options; Sample logos for advertising & websites
August 23— CARPROOF Glass record reporting enhancedOther topics: Damage disclosure best practices
August 11— Advertising, Total price & dealer fees: avoiding misrepresentation about priceOther 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 2016Other topics: Licensing Non-compliance; Salespeople must be licensed immediately; Authorized spokesperson contact must be current
July 13— Warning to Richmond used car buyersOther topics: Arthur Tong
July 5— Compliance activities from April 1 to June 30Other topics: Compensation fund board welcomes Ian Moore
May 30— Motor Dealer Act amendments move forwardOther 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 improvesOther topics: New online learning platform launches
May 5— Recall best practicesOther topics: Frequently asked questions (faqs)
April 26— Advertising reminders – Part 2Other topics: Dealer compliance in national ads; Total price of vehicle; Tire levy on new vehicles; Air conditioning tax; Battery levy
April 19— Advertising reminders – Part 1Other topics: Marketing campaigns
April 7— Compliance activities from January 1 – March 31Other topics: Ken Robertson appointed to the VSA board
February 18— Legislative proposals focus on unlicensed sellingOther topics: New consumer protection authority; Enhancing existing powers
February 10— Compensation fund Questions & AnswersOther 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 suspensionOther topics: Off-road vehicles & the VSA; No compensation fund waiver for fiscal year
January 13— Compliance activities from September 1 – December 31, 2015Other topics: Don’t forget, salespeople can connect with the VSA
December 1— Registrar’s draft rulesOther 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 salesOther topics: Creditors Group Insurance (CGI) compliance; Reminder from the insurance council of BC; VSA oversight
October 7— Warranty complaints growOther 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; Registrar’s jurisdiction
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 – are they legal?
Other topics: Walt the curber in Cariboo & North
June 3— VSA Annual Report available onlineOther topics: copying driver’s licences still a concern; Bill 18 receives royal assent
May 20— Salesperson licensing reduces risk for dealers, criminal record check a critical stepOther topics: Remember, checking the VSA website for the status of a new hire is easy
May 7— Legislative changes impact the role of the registrarOther 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 – March 31, 2015Other topics: Judicial reviews by BC Supreme Court
April 7— Regulatory update Part 2Other 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 driver’s licences for test drivesOther topics: Privacy concerns addressed by privacy commissioner; Reminder – Changing dealer ownership? The dealer licence is not for sale
February 23— Finance placement feesOther topics: Recommended practices; Dealer finance fees are brokerage fees; Legal requirements
February 12— Selling uninspected, potentially unsafe vehiclesOther topics: Annual compensation fund fee waived; Motorcycle advertising guidelines
January 23— Product specialists & salespeople: same licenceOther 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 clarificationOther topics: Additional compensation fund resources added
October 28— Leasing ReminderOther topics: Cooling off period waiver; One clear day; Lease buy-out inspections
October 6— Continuing education well establishedOther topics: Walt is back!; Licensed salespeople tops 7,000
September 18— Recall concerns & best practicesOther topics: Registrar visits motorcycle dealers
August 21— Compensation fund decisions added to websiteOther topics: Offering a rebate? Make sure it’s advertised correctly
July 30— All-in pricing continues to expandOther topics: Dealers need to make accurate representations
June 27— Canada’s new anti-spam legislation takes effect July 1Other topics: Continuing education module two, privacy for salespeople
June 17— VSA consumer service survey drives planningOther topics: Salesperson satisfaction with specific interactions
June 3— Continuing education registration opensOther topics: Compensation fund board welcomes Wendy Baker
May 29— Registrar’s decisions upheld by BC Supreme CourtOther topics: Compensation fund activity; New VSA board member; Salesperson blog delayed
May 12— New dealer licence decal for public displayOther topics: Salesperson licences expire June 1
April 10— VSA works to drive buyers to licensed dealersOther topics: Motorcycle advertising; 2014 Vancouver international auto show
March 24— Walt the Curber makes his debutOther topics: Online continuing education program
March 10— ICBC issues revised APV9T formOther topics: ICBC announces new salvage buying agreement
February 24— More on declarations, disclosures and material factsOther topics: Annual compensation fund fee waived; dealer licensing fee adjustment completed
February 11— Questions & answers about damage declarationsOther topics: Frequently asked questions
January 23— Demo plate do’s & don’tsOther topics: Course registration for new salespeople; Key management crucial; Hurry, deadline for prizes is January 29
January 9— Interest rates & financing representationsOther topics: Tapping a $900 million market: Private sales
November 27— Financing & insurance practices put dealer and consumer at risk
Other topics: 27% of US salvage vehicles get retitled
November 15— Registrar’s clarificationsOther topics: What is a salesperson; What is an off-site sale?; Watch out for Hurricane Sandy vehicles
October 30— Credit check practices – recent consumer complaints prompt reminderOther 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 requirementsOther topics: Local government relationship stops unlicensed selling; What’s New added to VSA website
September 25— Dealerships creating liability with unreported ownership changesOther 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 PresidentOther topics: Reminder from ICBC – plates from leased vehicles not being cancelled
May 17— No details in consolidated ICBC vehicle history reportOther 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 restructuringOther topics: Revised dealer licence fees; VSA annual report online; Condolences Bob Clarke
December 30— Dealer best practices – deposits – What you should know about deposits
Other topics: VSA Curber conference 2011
October 7— Industry, Compliance & Licensing – Cooperation worksOther topics: Mall licensing; Recent VSA hearing decisions
August 18— Learning department continues to deliverOther topics: Manager of compliance and investigations; Strategic business plan
June 14—Illegal tinting comes back to haunt motor dealerOther topics: Important notice from ICBC; Recent VSA hearing decisions
March 2— Lease-end buy outOther topics: Reminder from ICBC; Frequently asked questions (faq); Level 2 salesperson course makes an impact
January 19— APV9T forms changed – Damage reports are “cumulative” not per incidentOther topics: Accidents vs. damage
December 23— Lease disclosure – are your leasing agreements compliant?
Other topics: Don’t put your dealership or licence at risk
December 21— Lien Checks – Don’t risk losing the vehicle or the sale
Other topics: Don’t put your dealership or licence at risk
November 15— Dynamic action by AutoCanada – 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 – sales blitzes by out-of-town “experts”
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 – 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 – Insurance council publishes guidelines
January 6— Salesperson banned for a minimum of five years
Other topics: VSA licence & course fees on the website