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March 18, 2010
Industry Events
Top Industry Concerns Addressed at CCIF Toronto
The January 23 CCIF meeting in Toronto attracted a large audience, and gave the industry the opportunity to begin addressing the critical issue of profitability. Among the presenters were representatives from AIA Canada, I-CAR, CCIF Skills Program, NATA, Ontario Ministry of Labour, and Auto Recyclers of Canada—who shared the latest developments from within their organizations.
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John Edelen, president and
CEO, I-CAR
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Marc Brazeau, president,
AIA Canada
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Steve Fletcher, managing director, Automotive Recyclers
of Canada
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Doug Kirk, Global Vehicle Refinish Process manager, AkzoNobel Car Refinishes BV
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I-CAR announcement
John Edelen, president and CEO of I-CAR, announced that I-CAR and AIA Canada have executed a Memorandum of Understanding, allowing the two organizations to proceed with the development of a Licensing Agreement under which the management of the delivery of I-CAR training products and services will be undertaken by AIA. Marc Brazeau, president of AIA Canada, addressed CCIF attendees, ensuring that the transition of operations would be efficient and seamless and result in a more complete training experience for industry in both of Canada’s official languages.
CCIF Skills Program
I presented my vision of the CCIF Skills Program, outlining the goals of the program for the 2010 Canadian Skills Competition, as well as permanent solutions that will ensure our industry continues to be represented at this skills competition in the future.
Health and safety
Neil Martin from the Ontario Ministry of Labour presented his observations about a provincial program called “Safe at Work Ontario.” Although specific to Ontario, his presentation is relevant to all collision repairers, as he identifies the most common areas where shops are not meeting regulations. Those of highest concern are: Hoists not being inspected, Equipment requiring repairs, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) training not completed and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) not available. These may be areas to address within your own collision repair facility to improve safety.
Retire your ride
Steve Fletcher, managing director of Automotive Recyclers of Canada (ARC) updated attendees on the hugely successful “retire your ride” program and the implications of Canada’s focus on Extended Producer Responsibility. Steve explained that the difference between Canada’s program, and the U.S. program “Cash for Clunkers” is the Canadian focus on how the vehicle is recycled, rather than selling more cars. Over 200 Canadian recyclers are registered as authorized treatment facilities to properly recycle the “retire your ride” vehicles. ARC has been instrumental in the development of a code of practise for Environment Canada.
Right to repair
Dale Finch, executive vice-president of NATA, David Adams, president of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers of Canada (AIAMC), and Mark Nantais, president of Canadian Vehicle Manufactures Association, shared an informative presentation about the Canadian Automotive Service Information Standard (CASIS) agreement that was signed on September 29, 2009.
Profitability—the big issue
Doug Kirk and Keith Malik from AkzoNobel spoke about the challenges that were faced in the U.K. as the number of shops plummeted from over 30,000 to around 3,500. They presented their view of how the mature U.K. market has seen the balance of power change throughout this transition, as capacity now equals demand and market equilibrium has been reached. They pointed out the pitfalls that Canada may be able to avoid as our market matures. The presentation led into a discussion of issues surrounding shop profitability today in Canada. It was apparent that this issue is one of great importance to CCIF stakeholders, and it was decided that it will be addressed by a committee in upcoming meetings.
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Leanne Blackborow