Montréal, September 29, 2020
Subject: COVID-19 | Winter tire installation deadline extended to December 15, 2020
Dear Minister,
The Association des Spécialistes de Pneus et Mécanique du Québec (ASPMQ) represents independent tire installation and mechanical parts retailers across Québec.
Like many industries, ours was significantly disrupted by the first wave of COVID-19. As the initial confinement measures were announced in the spring, a peak period for tire changes, it is essential for us to proactively establish an action plan for winter tire installation during the second wave.
In order to ensure the safety of all and comply with the public health measures currently in effect, mechanical workshops are still not operating at full capacity. Given that the number of vehicles on the road exceeds the number of service bays available in mechanical workshops, and considering that no fewer than 6.6 million vehicles are registered in Québec, the ASPMQ anticipates significant congestion during the winter tire installation period if the deadline remains set for December 1, 2020. Therefore, in order to ensure the safety of Québec road users, our association respectfully requests that the winter tire installation deadline be exceptionally maintained at December 15, 2020.
In the context of the pandemic, this extended deadline would allow mechanical workshops to effectively meet demand while ensuring the safety of both employees and customers. We would also like to emphasize the essential nature of the services provided by mechanical workshops. With winter just around the corner, it is imperative that we be able to continue offering these services despite the second wave. We therefore reiterate our request that mechanical workshops remain on the list of essential services, without operational restrictions, in order to ensure public safety and the continuity of supply.
We remain available for a meeting, should it be required, to discuss an action plan for the second wave. Please do not hesitate to contact us through our administrative office by email at info@aspmq.ca or by phone at 1-866-454-0477, extension 3104.
Please accept, Dear Minister, the assurance of my highest consideration.
Jean-Denis Quenneville
President