The Association des recycleurs de pièces d'autos et de camions (ARPAC) held its 2026 annual congress in Saguenay, Quebec, bringing together 200 automotive recycling professionals to discuss artificial intelligence adoption, electric vehicle battery recycling, and a new EV training program launching next year.
- 200 attendees from Quebec's automotive recycling industry gathered for ARPAC's 2026 annual congress in Saguenay, September 11-12
- Guest speaker Patricia Filiatrault presented on artificial intelligence applications to boost productivity, reduce costs, and streamline operations
- ARPAC announced a new EV training program in partnership with Innoviste, launching in 2027 to address electric vehicle recycling challenges
- The congress raised $72,500 for the ARPAC Foundation through vehicle auctions and fundraising activities
- Key priorities include safe airbag handling, EV battery recycling navigation, and advancing industry training standards
Quebec automotive recycling professionals gathered in the Saguenay region last weekend for the 2026 annual congress of the Association des recycleurs de pièces d’autos et de camions (ARPAC).
Held from Friday, September 11 to Saturday, September 12, the event blended industry networking, facility tours, and strategic discussions focused on artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and end-of-life vehicle (ELV) programs like Retire Your Ride.
"We had roughly 200 people attend this year," said board member Gary Johnson of Johnson Auto Wreckers. "It was another good year for us. "We visited two local recycling yards."
Participants toured the operations and discussed organizational strategies before heading out for a scenic evening cruise on the Saguenay Fjord, concluding the day with a networking dinner to reflect on the industry's performance over the past year.
Saturday morning began with a breakfast conference featuring guest speaker Patricia Filiatrault, who presented on the growing role of artificial intelligence in the auto recycling sector. Filiatrault demonstrated how businesses can leverage AI to increase productivity, save time, and reduce operational costs.
Following the presentation, ARPAC held its 55th Annual General Meeting. The board of directors reviewed the past year's accomplishments and outlined core priorities for the upcoming year, specifically focusing on the safe handling of airbags, navigating the complexities of electric vehicles and EV battery recycling, and advancing industry training. Notably, ARPAC representative Steve Lemm announced a new EV training program currently in development in partnership with Innoviste, which is expected to launch next year.
A major highlight of the congress was the annual fundraising effort for the ARPAC Foundation. Through a combination of vehicle auctions, a silent auction, and a traditional live silent auction -- known by members as the 'yelling" auction, raised an impressive $72,500.
The 2026 congress wrapped up with a festive closing banquet, celebrating the collaborative spirit of the industry. With plenty of strategic work ahead for the auto recycling sector, ARPAC members are already looking forward to the 2027 edition, which will be hosted in Lévis.
