robkirsic.ca

This webpage highlights some of the work I did with the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) from 2008 to 2011.

OMVIC administers and enforces the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA), its regulations and code of ethics, as well as relevant sections of the Consumer Protection Act, on behalf of Ontario’s Ministry of Government and Consumer Services (MGCS). OMVIC’s mandate is to maintain a fair and informed marketplace by protecting the rights of consumers, enhancing industry professionalism and ensuring fair, honest and open competition for registered motor vehicle dealers.

My position at the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) was as Communications Assistant focused on communicating OMVIC’s message to automotive dealers and salespeople and the general public in Ontario. In my role, I conducted tasks that effectively communicated OMVIC’s position to the dealer community and consumers through dealer bulletins, consumer and dealer newsletters, annual reports, the omvic.on.ca and buywithconfidence.ca websites, media relations, events and vehicle-buying seminars.

On this page you will find portfolio items relating to media relations, dealer and consumer communications, annual report and additional work.

Media Relations

Part of my role focused on media relations. I created and pitched news releases and potential stories to Toronto and Ontario media. I secured interviews for OMVIC with CBC, Global, CTV and CP24, along with a variety of community newspapers and radio stations across Ontario. I also acted as media spokesperson for OMVIC on several occasions for the outlets mentioned above. I was also interviewed several times for a CP24 segment called Know Your Rights with Cam Woolley.

Please see a small sample of news releases below:

• Illegal vehicle sales lead to $18,000 fine
• Unregistered dealer fined $7,000 for not disclosing vehicle histories
• Toronto Crime Stoppers teams up with OMVIC to curb illegal sales

Dealer and Consumer Communications 

I assisted with writing and coordinating distribution of all OMVIC material such as OMVIC bulletins, Consumer Line and The Dealer Standard to various audiences which include consumers, dealers and salespeople and stakeholders such as the Ministry of Consumer Services and dealer associations.

OMVIC Bulletins

These bulletins went to salespeople and dealers reminding them of their obligations under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act and provided best practices and tips when selling vehicles.

• OMVIC Bulletin 1 – Ontario Economic Downturn (May 2009)
• OMVIC Bulletin 2 – Unregistered Brokers (Oct 2010)
• OMVIC Bulletin 3 – Referral Services (Oct 2010)
• OMVIC Bulletin 4 – Post Your Decal The Right Way to Buy (Oct 2010)
• OMVIC Bulletin 5 – Dealer Ad Identification (Nov 2010)
• OMVIC Bulletin 6 – Retail Consignment Best Practices (Nov 2010)
• OMVIC Bulletin 7 – Continental Warranty Corporation (Nov 2010)
• OMVIC Bulletin 8 – After-Market Products (Dec 2010)
• OMVIC Bulletin 9 – Wholesale Auctions Bulletin (Apr 2011)
• OMVIC Bulletin 10 – Price Advertising Bulletin (June 2011)
• OMVIC Bulletin 11 – Vehicle Illustrations in Advertisements Bulletin (June 2011)

Dealer Standard

This is a quarterly publication to all salespeople and dealers.

• Dealer Standard – Spring 2010
• Dealer Standard – Summer 2010
• Dealer Standard – Fall 2010
• Dealer Standard – Spring 2011
• Dealer Standard – Summer 2011
• Dealer Standard – Winter 2011

Consumer Line

This is an ad-hoc newsletter as information and news came up that was shared with interested consumers.

• Consumer Line – Issue #2 (Sept 2008)
• Consumer Line – Issue #3 (Sept 2008)
• Consumer Line – Issue #4 (Apr 2009)
• Consumer Line – Issue #5 (Oct 2009)
• Consumer Line – Issue #6 (Jul 2010)
• Consumer Line – Issue #7 (Oct 2010)
• Consumer Line – Issue #8 (Mar 2011)
• Consumer Line – Issue #9 (Apr 2011)
• Consumer Line – Issue #10 (May 2011)
• Consumer Line – Issue #11 (Jun 2011)
• Consumer Line – Issue #12 (Jul 2011)

Annual Report

I was responsible for the development, writing and publishing of the 2010 Annual Report and 2011 Business Plan. This report was submitted by OMVIC to the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services as a Delegated Administrative Authority (DAA). Please click on the cover to read the Annual Report and Business Plan.

Additional Work:

Some additional items that I do not have portfolio items for but are worth highlighting include:

• I managed an earlier version of OMVIC’s websites which included creating new content and liaising with other departments to ensure up-to-date information is available and accurate.
• I coordinated and setup the OMVIC display booth and managed staff at industry events such as the Canadian International AutoShow and student events at Ryerson, York University, McMaster and Georgian College.
• I coordinated and presented OMVIC vehicle-buying seminars targeted to newcomers to Canada teaching them valuable vehicle-buying tips and the services OMVIC provides.
• I sat on OMVIC’s Consumer Protection Advisory Committee and Communications Committee as a staff representative.