We are pleased to share that Automotive Materials Stewardship (AMS), Société de gestion des huiles usagées (SOGHU) and the Atlantic Used Oil Management Association (Atlantic UOMA) have taken a significant step towards closer collaboration among automotive used oil and antifreeze materials stewardship programs in Eastern Canada.

Over recent years, UOMA programs have heard consistent feedback from producers, service providers, and key stakeholders seeking greater coordination and harmonization across programs, while respecting jurisdictional and regulatory differences.

In response, AMS, SOGHU, and Atlantic UOMA, servicing provinces that represent two-thirds of Canada’s population, jointly initiated a project to explore options for closer collaboration. To support this work, the programs engaged strategic advisors to undertake a discovery and options analysis, with a focus on understanding current-state challenges and identifying practical, value-adding pathways forward.

Through this discovery process, our advisors recommended the creation of a shared back-office services entity as a foundational step. Acting on this recommendation, the three programs have jointly established a new organization to deliver shared administrative services and modernized systems, creating a foundation to respond to evolving stakeholder needs with greater flexibility.

The formation of this shared services organization is not about a new technology platform, although it will have one. Rather, it reflects a deliberate effort to put in place the structures, operations, and governance required to pursue harmonization opportunities thoughtfully and where they add value. We see significant potential to use this shared foundation to support improved data, reporting, oversight, and service delivery over time.

Each program will continue to operate independently: governance, regulatory oversight, and program operations remain the responsibility of the individual programs, with the shared services organization supporting delivery.

In the near term, the new organization will deliver core back-office services, including finance and accounting, data collection and reporting, procurement support, and corporate services. Harmonization activities beyond shared services will be informed by stakeholder consultation and collaboration, ensuring the needs of producers, service providers, and regulators are addressed.

Board Chairs from the participating programs emphasized the importance of this step:

AMS Board Chair (Ontario): Dave Fifield
“This initiative is about being ready for what’s next. By working together, we can respond more effectively to stakeholder expectations while managing resources efficiently.”

 SOGHU Board Chair (Québec): Carol Montreuil
“This is about unlocking possibilities. A shared foundation puts us in a better position to listen to stakeholders and respond in smarter, more coordinated ways over time.”

 Atlantic UOMA Board Chair (Atlantic Canada provinces): Nick Dufour
“This shared services entity gives us a practical way to learn, adapt, and collaborate. It’s an investment in flexibility and resilience for our programs.”

More details will follow in the coming months, including unveiling the name of the new organization. Operations are expected to commence in phases, starting in 2027.

This initiative represents an important investment in readiness and responsiveness for our programs. We will continue to share updates as this work progresses.

Atlantic Used Oil Management Association (Atlantic UOMA)
Société de gestion des huiles usagées (SOGHU)
Automotive Materials Stewardship (AMS)