For over a hundred years, CAA has been helping Canadians stay mobile, safe and protected. The CAA Club Group is Canada’s largest automotive association comprised of two clubs, CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba, providing roadside assistance, travel, insurance service and member savings for over 2.3 million members. It also includes the CAA Insurance Company (a national property and casualty insurance company), the Orion Travel Insurance company and Echelon Insurance Company (a specialty insurer).


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Canadian Automobile Association - Aug 22, 2018

CAA Launches Towing Bill of Rights to help consumers.
New consumer protection campaign includes distribution to 10,000 Ontario motorists.

CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) officially unveiled a Towing Bill of Rights for consumers this morning, as part of a series of initiatives for Tow Safety Week.

CAA Launches Towing Bill of Rights to Help Consumers

CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) and Mirvish Productions are proud to announce a new marketing partnership that brings together one of Canada’s largest membership associations and the country’s leading theatrical organization.      

The multi-faceted partnership puts the CAA brand and its members front and centre within the Mirvish Theatre network. It includes the naming rights of the new CAA Theatre (formerly the Panasonic Theatre), home of the Off-Mirvish series; branded lounges at the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre and the Princess of Wales Theatre; and benefits for CAA members.      

The newly named CAA Theatre is located at 651 Yonge Street south of Bloor Street and has a capacity of 700 seats. This is the flagship venue for exciting new theatrical works, from popular entertainment to the latest cutting-edge plays including the Off-Mirvish series.

CAA Theatre (former the Panasonic Theatre)

Canadian Automobile Association Announcement: 

CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) in partnership with Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) unveiled a new outdoor classroom for the students of Tecumseh Public School.

CAA - June 20/2017

CAA reveals provincial and regional lists for 2017
Hamilton’s Burlington Street East voted Ontario’s Worst Road

CAA - June 1/2017

Canadian Automobile Association 
Voting now open for CAA Worst Roads in Ontario
Annual campaign highlights needed roadway investments across Ontario

CAA Worst Roads - April 10/2017

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STORY: CCG Raises Over $300,000 in Support of Hope

This year's events brought together golfers, sponsors, and associates to make a significant impact on patients' lives through generous donations and community spirit.

  Pictured above, from left to right: Jay Woo, President and CEO of CAA Club Group of Companies & Mark Rubinstein, Chief Hope Officer of Hope Air.  CAA Club Group of Companies President and CEO Jay Woo made a cheque presentation of over $300,000 to Hope Air on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The cheque presentation, which included funds raised from two golf events, the first-ever Jaunt for Hope Air and a handful of other initiatives, took place at the CAA offices in Thornhill with volunteers, board members, and several senior leaders from CCG, as well as representatives from Hope Air.

"The success of these events highlights the power of collaboration,” says Jay Woo, President and CEO of CAA Club Group of Companies. "Thanks to the unwavering support of our associates and sponsors, we’re able to raise substantial funds that go directly to Hope Air, helping provide vital travel assistance to Canadians in need of medical care. This is what happens when a community unites for a common cause: we create hope, foster change, and build a legacy of compassion."

CCG's support for Hope Air began when Jay started volunteering his personal time to fly patients from northern Ontario into Toronto for medical treatment. Since then, CCG has rallied behind Hope Air's lifesaving work by raising over $2.2 million, which provides direct support to over 22,000 patient families.




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MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Survey Reveals Substance Use, Particularly Cannabis, is on the Rise Both Recreationally and Behind the Wheel

Manager, Government and Community Relations

 New findings from a recent survey conducted by CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) highlight a concerning trend: substance use, particularly cannabis, is on the rise both recreationally and behind the wheel.

“Cannabis is more accessible than ever, and that means more Manitobans are not only choosing to drive after consuming it but are also getting behind the wheel soon after and expressing increased confidence in their ability to do so,” says Ewald Friesen, manager, government & community relations for CAA Manitoba.

The data shows that 24 per cent of drivers admitted to consuming cannabis before driving, which is up six per cent from last year, while ten per cent of Manitobans reported driving after consuming cannabis in the past few months, a three per cent increase from 2024. Among cannabis-impaired drivers, most (63 per cent) say they drove within three hours of consumption, which is up 10 per cent from last year. Over a third of cannabis-impaired drivers acknowledged feeling high while driving.

 
In addition to the survey conducted by CAA MB, a recent study with funding support from CAA, conducted by the University of Saskatchewan, examined 50 drivers aged 19 to 30 to assess how consuming edible cannabis influences collision risk. This age group of young drivers, identified as having the highest crash rates and a greater tendency toward risky driving behaviour, offers new insights into the impact of cannabis on driving.

 
Drivers often have a false sense of confidence when driving high.  This study examined how consuming edible cannabis affects collision risk. Findings indicate that critical driving skills, including reaction time, lane discipline, and speed control, were impaired even shortly after consumption. Contrary to popular belief that cannabis edibles take hours to take effect, this study shows that impairment is evident 90 minutes after consumption. When asked if they felt safe to drive after consuming edibles, only four per cent felt safe getting behind the wheel 90 minutes after eating an edible cannabis product.

 
What is interesting about this is that in a controlled environment, young drivers feel unsafe driving under the influence of cannabis. However, the study conducted by CAA MB shows that drivers often have a false sense of confidence when they have driven high in the past. 

“This study marks an important first step in understanding how cannabis edibles impact driving performance,” adds says Friesen. “Too often, decisions about whether someone is fit to drive are made in the moment, relying on judgment rather than evidence. Cannabis impairment studies like this are essential. Each one brings new learnings that help us refine our approach and ensure that safety is never left to chance.”

 
According to CAA Manitoba’s data, more drivers have reported feeling confident in their driving ability (77 per cent), which is up ten per cent from 2024. More drivers this year (33 per cent) also say that they are unsure about how much cannabis is needed for effects to kick in, up six per cent from 2024. Alarmingly enough, more than half of Manitobans are unaware that the penalties associated with driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of substances are
          the same. 

“Drivers may face enhanced roadside sanctions, including an administrative penalty of $700, vehicle impoundment, mandatory Ignition Interlock participation for one year, an impaired driver assessment and movement of 10 levels down the Driver Safety Rating scale,” says Friesen. “Depending on the severity of convictions, impaired drivers may be charged further under the Criminal Code of Canada.”   

This holiday season, CAA Manitoba is asking that those who do consume cannabis, alcohol or other drugs to plan ahead by making alternate arrangements, such as a designated driver or using a rideshare service, to get home safely.  

Methodology CAA MB  The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from June 27 to July 14, 2025, with 514   Manitoba drivers aged 19 and older. Based on the sample size of n=514 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/- 3%.)    Methodology of University of Saskatchewan study  The study collected extensive data from 50 young adult drivers (aged 19–30), resulting in 250 assessments across multiple realistic driving scenarios using a simulator after consuming a 10mg THC edible.   

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MEDIA RELEASE: New CAA Study Sheds Light on Edible Cannabis and Collision Risk Among Young Drivers

Community Relations Consultant

 A recent study with funding support from CAA, conducted by the University of Saskatchewan, examined 50 drivers aged 19 to 30 to assess how consuming edible cannabis influences collision risk among young drivers.

 
This demographic, which is known for having a higher tendency to engage in risky driving behaviour, currently holds the highest crash rates nationwide.

“This study marks an important first step in understanding how cannabis edibles impact driving performance,” says Michael Stewart, Community Relations Consultant for CAA South Central Ontario. “Too often, decisions about whether someone is fit to drive are made in the moment, relying on judgment rather than evidence. Cannabis impairment studies like this are essential. Each one brings new learnings that help us refine our approach and ensure that safety is never left to chance.”

The findings indicate that critical driving skills, including reaction time, lane discipline, and speed control, were impaired. Consumption times may vary to feel the effects of edible cannabis from driver to driver. However, the study found that impairment was most evident at 90 minutes after consumption, so its effects may not be noticeable until a motorist is already behind the wheel.

 
When asked if they felt safe to drive after consuming edibles, only four per cent felt safe getting behind the wheel 90 minutes after eating an edible cannabis product.

 
What is interesting about this is that in a controlled environment, young drivers feel unsafe driving under the influence of cannabis. However, a recent survey of 1,510 Ontario drivers from CAA SCO shows that drivers often have a false sense of confidence when they have driven high in the past.

The perception of safety doesn’t match reality  The survey found that the number of people admitting to cannabis-impaired driving in Ontario (nearly 20 per cent) has remained stable compared to last year. However, a concerning trend has emerged, with more cannabis-impaired drivers (78 per cent) saying they are confident in their driving abilities while under the influence – a 13 per cent overall increase from 2021.

 
Why is this concerning? The perception of safety doesn’t match reality. More than a third of cannabis-impaired drivers acknowledged feeling high while driving, relying on their personal judgment for signs of impairment, such as drowsiness, slowed reaction time, or brain fog.

 
“This misplaced confidence can lead to dangerous decisions, increasing the risk of collisions and endangering road users,” adds Stewart. “We must recognize that getting behind the wheel is not just a personal choice it’s a responsibility that affects the safety of everyone on our roads.”  

Growing issue of poly-use The research also points to a growing issue of poly-use, or the consumption of multiple substances and is on the rise. This trend adds another layer of complexity to road safety efforts, as the combined effects of different substances can further impair judgment and reaction times. 

Most respondents (57 per cent) say they consume cannabis in combination with other substances – most commonly, alcohol. However, painkillers, psilocybin, ecstasy, and MDMA are on the rise.
CAA SCO continues to advocate for safer roads by encouraging motorists to make responsible choices. The message is clear: do not get behind the wheel when impaired.

 
“While we’re all aware that alcohol-impaired driving can be dangerous, we should also take the same attitude towards cannabis-impaired driving,” says Stewart. “With the holiday season coming up, cannabis can be consumed legally and responsibly but should never be used when driving.”

CAA is asking that those who do consume cannabis, alcohol or other drugs to plan ahead by making alternate arrangements, such as a designated driver or using a rideshare service, to get home safely this holiday season.

Methodology The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from June 27 to July 14, 2025, with 1,510 Ontario drivers aged 19 and older. Based on the sample size of n=1,510 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.) Methodology of the University of Saskatchewan study The study collected extensive data from 50 young adult drivers (aged 19–30), resulting in 250 assessments across multiple realistic driving scenarios using a simulator after consuming a 10mg THC edible.  

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