The Car Guy: GCC offers negotiator to help Crees get a fair deal on automobiles

The car-buying climate for Crees in the Val-d’Or and Abitibi-Témiscamingue region has created an environment of mistrust.

The problem has gotten so bad that some Cree would rather make the long trip to Ottawa or Montreal to buy a car.

According to Bill Namagoose, Executive Director of the Grand Council of the Crees (GCC), stories of Crees’ overpaying for cars were so outrageous that the initial instinct was to seek legal recourse.

“The GCC approached the government after we were made aware of the situation in Val-d’Or,” said Namagoose. “Apparently when a Cree agrees to pay $50,000 for a $30,000 car, it’s abuse, but it’s not a crime.”

Now the Grand Council is introducing a new optional service to all Cree individuals, entities and band councils through the Cree Nation Government’s Commerce and Industry Department.

“We call him the negotiator,” emphasized Namagoose. “He’s been hired to protect the Cree consumer.”

Vehicle agent Yvon St-Pierre has over 25 years in the automotive sector and says that he’s going to ensure Crees know what they’re signing on to.

“The problem was well-known,” said St-Pierre. “Dealerships were taking advantage of the Crees’ kindness and tendency to not negotiate on price.”

St-Pierre has been on the job since signing his contract in early March. He’s already helped several car buyers and has looked into having dealerships take care of accommodations, as well as pre-approval on loans, before any Cree decides to make the trip to Val-d’Or to buy a car.

But his approach isn’t adversarial.

“It comes down to fairness,” St-Pierre said on his way to meet a Cree client. “I want to create a win-win scenario for everyone involved, where the dealership makes the sale and the consumer gets what they pay for.”

He also helps identify the financing that works best for each individual’s situation and will be touring the 10 Cree communities twice a year to provide seminars on car buying.

St-Pierre said he’s going to ensure “Crees get a good price, a very good price for their exchange, and to advise on the contract” though he won’t recommend what type of car to buy.

“I want everyone to know this is a free service they have access to through the Grand Council. Just call me up and I’ll be there,” explained St-Pierre. “Don’t be shy, I’m here to help.”

St-Pierre has already seen a high demand for his service and suggests that potential car buyers give him two-week’s notice. You can contact him at 819-856-3001 or via his website: http://courtierauto3001.ca/en/