Hamilton police Chief Brian Mullan has ordered a new investigation of the hit-and-run accident after 50-year-old Don Armstrong contacted him with the new material last month. A fresh team of detectives has already started making inquiries in the Dunnville area, about one hour southeast of Hamilton, where Armstrong and his son lived.

Neither Armstrong nor the police will disclose the new evidence. But Armstrong -- who has been conducting his own investigation for almost six years -- believes it will lead police to the driver of the pickup truck that ran over his son, Troy, on June 20, 1998.

A strapping 23-year-old with blond hair, a broad smile and outgoing personality, Troy suffered massive injuries when one of the wheels of the two-ton vehicle rolled over his chest. He died at Hamilton General Hospital at 3:57 a.m., about an hour after the accident.

By that time, the driver of the pickup truck -- described as a man with long dark hair and husky build -- had vanished from the accident scene at Highways 53 and 20 and has never been identified or charged.

Troy was returning to Dunnville from Hamilton with his brother-in-law, Dale Sammon, 21, when the pickup came up from behind and bumped their Dodge Colt car three times, Sammon said.

They both got out and Troy went to talk to the driver. He apparently became entangled in a protruding side mirror and was dragged under the vehicle as it swerved around the parked Colt and drove away.

Don Armstrong believes the driver of the pickup had deliberately bumped into the Colt because he recognized somebody in the vehicle. He also believes the original investigators blew the case by waiting almost two-and-a-half months before interviewing Sammon, who was driving the Colt and was potentially the best witness at the scene.

"I'm quite confident now they will make an arrest," he said in a recent interview. "I assume they can solve this. If for any reason they do not solve it, I'll go on television and make it public. I have an ace up my sleeve."

He said he discovered the new information last year while conducting his own investigation with his wife, Grace, and spent almost a year checking it out before telling police.

Without revealing what they found, Armstrong said he'll put his own investigation on hold for the time being and allow police two or three weeks to find the driver. If they don't make an arrest by then, he indicated he'll tell his story to the CBC's fifth estate investigative show.

Mullan confirmed the case is being re-investigated under the direction of Staff Sergeant Mike Holk, who heads up the Mountain station detective office. A 33-year veteran, Holk has headed up a number of high-profile criminal investigations, including the execution-style shooting of Hamilton Mafia boss John Papalia in 1997.

Mullan also confirmed detectives have been interviewing people in the Dunnville area where Troy was living at the time of his death.

A longtime resident of the Dunnville area, Armstrong has been obsessed with finding Troy's killer ever since he went to identify his body at the hospital the day of the accident. There were two Hamilton policemen standing beside the gurney as he viewed his son through a glass shield.

The policemen both shrugged their shoulders when he asked who had killed his son.

"You find the man who killed my son," he told the officers. "This is one case that will not go unsolved."

For the next six years, he spent almost every waking moment trying to find the man responsible. He worked with two private investigators, consulted psychics and interviewed dozens of witnesses on his own. A mechanic and auto body man, he also checked out dozens of pickup trucks to see whether they matched the hit-and-run driver's vehicle. He contacted reporters and wrote letters to local newspapers in an effort to scare up witnesses and make sure the case wasn't forgotten. At first, he passed on all his leads to the Hamilton police traffic office, which did the initial investigation.

But as the years wore on, he lost confidence in their ability to solve the case and now feels it should have been handled by the criminal investigation branch from the start.

As a practical man who works with his hands and fixes things, he couldn't understand what was so hard about finding a large pickup seen by several witnesses. He called it the "two-ton bullet" that murdered his son.

"I couldn't understand how a man in an old flatbed truck could just vanish and never be seen again after killing a young man," he said. "It was clear I would have to lay down my wrenches and put away my mechanic manuals and start reading law books and do it myself."

But his obsessive search has taken its toll on his physical and emotional health. He has anxiety attacks, can't sleep most nights and his arthritis flares up so badly he can hardly walk. "I've aged about 20 years," he commented as he studied some old photographs he took with his son.

His doctor recently warned him he would drive himself to an early grave or nervous breakdown if didn't back off for a while.

As he ponders the future, he knows there can be no peace in his life until he sees Troy's killer stand before a judge and answer for the crime. But he longs for the day when he will be able to put his investigative files aside and pick up his tool box again.

As a tribute to his son, he wants to finish restoring a decaying 1979 Pontiac Trans Am Troy had snapped up for $700. It didn't look like much when Troy first spotted it at the side of the road in Welland. The engine was seized up, it had no fenders and the body was held together with Bondo and wishful thinking. But as he leans against the rusting hulk, Armstrong can visualize a gleaming purple masterpiece with his son's face painted on the hood.

"I see something that can be brought back to life and made as beautiful as it was," he said.

He plans to drive it in the Dunnville Mudcat Festival someday, where Troy had performed as a daredevil BMX stunt rider.

(see headlines)

April 23, 2004

Police in Toronto are advising that at least 18 unsuspecting used car buyers may be drivcing unsafe wrecks from U.S. salvage yards. Toronto police say they have smashed an auto theft ring.

The vehicles, mainly Toyota 4-Runners, were brought to Canada and allegedly refitted with parts from stolen autos.

They were sold through ads in Auto Trader magazine or at Omni Motor Car Sales at 153 Norfinch Ave.

Two men are charged and a warrant has been issued for a third.

(courtesy Toronto Sun)

(see headlines)

The premiums may still rise, says, Sorbara, but the rate of increase will be less. The minister says thanks to regulatory reforms by the province's Liberal government premiums will be 10 per cent lower than they might have been.

Because the province froze insurance rates when the Liberals took power any change, up or down, has to be approved by the financial services commission of Ontario.

All 61 insurance companies in the province filed for new rates with the commission in January. The commission has now released a report on the rate applications approved so far, and Sorbara is pleased with what he's seeing.

"If you're buying new insurance today you're rates will be 10 per cent lower than what they would have been a week ,or two weeks ago. If you're buying from a company that's already filed probably you are. If you're renewing your policy you're rates will be, on average, 10 per cent lower than they would have been in the absences of these initiatives."

The average cost of car insurance in Ontario at the end of the first quarter of 2004 is almost eight per cent higher than at the same time last year.

Ontario NDP leader Howard Hampton calls the government's move "sleight of hand."

"Somebody who looks at it at a glance may say, 'I guess I'm getting a bit back,' but if you look at it over a two year period you're paying through the nose," said Hampton.

Randy Carroll, with the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario, warns not all of the filing has been completed.

"I don't think every consumer ... (can presume) they're going to get an immediate 10 per cent return on their insurance premium. Each company will treat them differently."

The applications that have been approved so far by the financial services commission affect just over half of Ontario's eight million drivers. Last month Canada's insurance industry posted a record $2.6 billion profit for 2003.

(courtesy cbc.ca)

Car's black box helps convict driver

Data collected from 'sensing diagnostic module' showed excessive speed at time of intersection collision

Eric Gauthier was sentenced to jail for dangerous driving due, in part, to the data recorder in his car.

A man was sentenced to jail yesterday for dangerous driving causing death thanks to the data recorder in his car which showed he was driving at an excessive speed.

Eric Gauthier, now 26, was driving 131 kilometres an hour when his car collided with another vehicle, killing Yacine Zinet and injuring a passenger almost three years ago on April 19, 2001.

Gauthier was sentenced to 18 months in jail for dangerous driving and nine months for dangerous driving causing injury but the sentences will be served concurrently. He also won't be allowed to drive for three years.

Belinda Matthey, the victim's sister, noted the black box in Gauthier's Pontiac Sunfire helped put her mind at ease about what really happened.

"If we didn't know about the data in the black box, we would have always thought my brother was driving fast and that he went through a red light," Matthey said outside court.

"It was a nice thing to have. Without the black box we wouldn't know the truth."

Gauthier had told police that Zinet's car had run a red light, but the black box in Gauthier's General Motors car showed he was driving between 130 and 160 km/h in a 50 km/h zone on downtown Ste-Catherine Street.

The trial marks the first time the data recorders have been accepted as evidence in a Canadian courtroom, Crown prosecutor Jeannot Decarie has said.

Matthey also said it wasn't a road accident, but a criminal act that was committed "and people have to realize they can be sentenced to prison."

"I'm glad justice has been done and I think other lives will be saved," she added.

Christina Matthey, Zinet's mother, had mixed feelings about the jail sentence.

"Nothing can replace my son, but I think, at least, the sentence was the
maximum ever handed out in Quebec."

Pamela McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for General Motors Canada in Oshawa, said
when the automaker first introduced the airbag system in 1973, it included
the ability to record crash-related data when the airbag is deployed.

"All of our GM vehicles have a sensing diagnostic module," she said. "The SDM records the condition of the vehicle and how it was operated in a crash or near-crash event such as the engine speed, brake applications, the throttle position, seat-belt usage, air-bag readiness and the severity of a collision."

McLaughlin also said the information can obtained if a warrant is issued.

"There are instances where legally, an official request can be made by the police or a government office."

McLaughlin added that all automakers have the black boxes in the majority of their vehicles.

Defence attorney Marie-France La Haye said the black box was an invasion of privacy. But she admitted it could make drivers more aware.

"I find it interesting that we have black boxes in all our vehicles and I think that could change driving habits."

La Haye had argued Gauthier should be sentenced to between 12 and 24 months to be served at his parents' home in Baie-Comeau, Que., about 420 kilometres northeast of Quebec City.

She didn't rule out an appeal.

(courtesy of Hamilton Spectator)

(see headlines)

$500 MILLION AUTO INVESTMENT STRATEGY MEANS BETTER WORKERS FOR BETTER JOBS IN AN INNOVATIVE ECONOMY

Delivering The Real, Positive Change That Will Strengthen Ontario's Economy

HAMILTON -- Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty unveiled today a new $500 million Automotive Investment Strategy that will train our workers for the next generation of innovation in the industry.

"This strategy leverages our greatest asset: the skills of our people," said Premier Dalton McGuinty.

"By investing in our workers and their skills, we can attract new investment and create high-wage jobs in the province's largest manufacturing sector.It's a real, positive change that will strengthen our economy."

Over the next five years, the Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy will provide support for leading-edge auto manufacturing projects that are worth more than $300 million in investment or that create or retain more than 300 jobs.

The strategy's $500 million fund is earmarked to partner with industry for advanced-skills training for our workers, improved environmental and energy technologies, public infrastructure and investments in research and innovation.

It's estimated that the $500 million has the potential to spur up to $5 billion in automotive investments, said Joseph Cordiano, the Minister of Economic Development and Trade.

"We are investing in better jobs by investing in better workers, and the tools they need to succeed," Cordiano said.

"Our automotive industry will be globally competitive, anchoring high-value jobs, which bring other benefits such as tax revenue to improve education and health services and increase our standard of living."

The strategy is receiving praise from both the industry and its workers.

"This commitment has the potential to leverage and drive a very significant return on investment for Ontario -- large auto projects have one of the greatest multiplier effects for job creation, technology development, supplier development and more," said Michael Grimaldi, Co-Chair of the Canadian Automotive Partnership Council (CAPC).

"This strategy responds with strong leadership to one of the top priorities studied and identified by CAPC. We commend the provincial government for taking the lead in helping the auto industry map out a prosperous future in Ontario."

Buzz Hargrove, National President of the Canadian Auto Workers Union, said the McGuinty government has sent a strong signal that it understands the importance of the sector to the Ontario and Canadian economy.

"This strategy was something Premier McGuinty talked about during the election. He has listened to us and this strategy is going to be good for Ontarians," Hargrove said.

"This is a positive and welcome change from previous governments who took our sector for granted, when other jurisdictions were stepping up to attract investment and jobs that we want for Ontario. This is good news for this industry and great news for the Province of Ontario."

The auto industry is a pillar of the Ontario economy. It accounted for 45 per cent of Ontario's exports in 2003. There are 331,000 jobs in the auto industry -- in everything from manufacturing to sales to service. And it supports thousands of additional jobs in supplier industries such as steel, plastics and glass.

"We can compete with the world for the best jobs, the highest wages, and the highest quality of life, by building the most highly skilled, productive workforce in North America," said Premier McGuinty.

(see headlines)

HARA's Golden Horseshoe Golf Tournament , scheduled for May 4 at the Dundas Valley Golf and Curling Club will now take place on Tuesday June 29.

After discussions with the Club, tournament organizers were advised that at least two holes would not be ready in time for the Tournament and that the earlier May date might also be caught in a water drainage issue.

Golfers were told last year by HARA that this year's tournament would have all holes available on this beautiful course.

"For our golf friends, to whom we had made a commitment to a full course, missing more holes would not have been fair to them. Moving the tournament to June 29, assures us of all 18 holes available , warmer weather and a good continuing late June Tuesday date into the future on a course they liked", said Alex Szabo, HARA's Golf Chair.

Individual golfers are being notified by the HARA office. Golfers that may not available for the new June 29th golf date will be refunded their payments.

For further information, please call 1-866-309-4272 or hara@ciia.com

(see headlines)

Hamilton Police Service are requesting the assistance of local collision repair facilities in their investigation of a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred on April 17th, 2004 on Brock Road.

The vehicle that was involved in striking the pedestrian did not remain at the scene.

Police are requesting that you inform them if any vehicle in brought in for repair that would have damage to the front end area, including the windshield.

There would more than likely be no Police report for the incident.

The contact information is 905-546-4753 at the Collision Reconstruction Unit

D/Cst Johnston #625

(see headlines)

Mohawk president Mary Lynn West-Moynes says the college is focused on its role as the largest trainer of apprentices in Ontario.

Mohawk College is taking a major chunk of $18 million the province is doling out to apprenticeship programs.

More than $1 million will go to equipment to train auto body workers, sheet metal workers, mechanics, electricians, steamfitters and welders at Mohawk, the biggest trainer of apprentices in Ontario.

Mary Lynn West-Moynes, the college's president, said boosting the skilled trades is "the only way to sustain Hamilton's economy.

"There is a problem (with a shortage of skilled trades) and it's something we're paying attention to, particularly in this community," she said.

Mohawk turns out about 3,000 apprentices a year in 15 programs.

Despite updating its curriculum recently, Mohawk has been suffering from out-of-date equipment.

The new funding will buy machinery, including a state-of-the-art electronic measuring system to fix car frames.

Debbie Spence, manager of the local Skilled Trades Alliance, welcomed the spending announcement, but added that "employers need to be involved."

She said Europe's apprenticeship programs are far ahead of ours because of tax breaks given to businesses for hiring apprentices. In Canada, small businesses are scared of putting too much time and money into young people who may leave soon after they're trained, she said.

Mark Kupi, general manager of Big Drum Inc., said that quick staff turnover is his "big fear."

That Burlington-based firm produces specialty ice cream equipment to make products such as Drumstick ice cream cones. The business has three apprentices, and it trains them in all of its manufacturing processes.

Kupi agrees that Canada needs a system more like Europe's to encourage employers to hire apprentices. But he said the government is putting its money in the right place by upgrading school equipment.

"We get complaints from people that say what they're working on here (in the workplace) and what they're working on in school is so different, that it's not a great help to them," he said.

Anthony Nigro, president of the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association, said the government funding "will mean better-trained apprentices and "encourage new apprentices to join the industry."

He said cars built with new equipment need students trained on the latest technologies.

Elaine Holding, chair of the Halton Apprenticeship Advisory Council, was pleased with the announcement.

"Providing colleges with the ability to update equipment and materials is fundamental to ensuring a highly skilled workforce," she said.

But she agrees with Spence that there needs to be more input from industry. "Creating a world-class workforce takes commitment from the apprentices, educators and employers, and I am hopeful that the Ontario government will look at ways to support employers willing to train apprentices."

(see headlines)

Collision repair trade associations across Canada tend to get a lot of questions from member shops regarding the best use of equipment, which to purchase and how to use equipment most profitably.

By John Norris, Executive Director, Hamilton Autobody Repair Association

There's no question that when it comes to equipment purchases and use, shops are looking more and more to use their limited dollars effectively. Unfortunately, the rush toward profitability does not always leave time for collision repairers to check the accuracy regarding manufacturers' claims, or the rules regarding installation and use.

Here are the top equipment-related problems that land on the desk of the offices of the Hamilton Autobody Repair Association. There is little doubt that associations across the country encounter the same concerns, questions and considerations.

Spraybooths

I often hear shops talk about examining the purchase of spraybooths but unsure which is best. Some shops believe they must buy a water-wash or special downdraft booth in order to be legal or compliant. This is not the case.

Although the newer more technologically designed booths have some clear advantages, there is nothing to stop you from buying a cheaper booth that does a reasonable job. In February's Bodyshop Magazine, an article written by Ontario Spray Booth's Jim Macdonald and Mike Minardi offered insights into considerations when purchasing a spraybooth. The article can be found online at www.bodyshopbiz.com.

Regulation

I'm often asked whether shops can go ahead and build/add a spray booth only to get permits after the fact. Almost 80% of the 252 booths inspected last year in Ontario by the Ministry of Environment's SWAT Team were found not to have the proper permits from the province.

HARA provides its shop with a free package of compliance help. Always make sure that even if you don't have permits yet in hand, that the booth installation will pass.

Keep in mind that environmental compliance in a booth is based on emissions, not the type of booth. As a rule of thumb, the closer a booth is to residences and schools, the more likely an in-depth emissions review will be required.

Stack height is another major consideration. Getting permits later is an offense, and there's risk that the booth installation won't pass. Acquiring a permit later identifies yourself to the government and means an inspection is more likely. Also, always contact your local municipality and the local fire department to find out what you need to do in meeting the proper requirement for a booth.

Fan Noise Assessment

Callers to our association often ask what in the heck is a fan noise assessment.

About 5% of Ontario shops are ordered to show the government that their spray booth fan is quiet enough that it will not disturb the shop neighbours enjoyment of their own property.

This order can be negotiated occasionally, but otherwise, a fan noise assessment must be conducted, and paid for by the shop.

The Solvent Recycler Question

Is a solvent recycler a good idea, I'm often asked. Yes, and most certainly if your volume is above 50-80 litres a month.

If you are shipping out over 4-6 barrels of waste with your licensed waste hauler a year, depending on solids content, a solvent recycler is a smart investment. Keep in mind that you would not need to purchase as much virgin solvent either from your local supplier.

Check to ensure that the unit is explosion proof. Too many shops raise the temperature gauge too high and end up baking the sediments in the container.

Only keep the temperature high enough to evaporate the solvent and not melt the "solvent cake" into the machine.

Listen To The Government

If your shop gets a provincial offenses order for equipment, upgrades or permitting -- or government officials request, ask or demand anything --please pay attention to these requests and follow them.

In Ontario, a first offense order is usually a warning with a specific number of days identified to do necessary work. If the enforcement officer comes to your shop a second time, and finds that you have ignored the order, there may be little leeway for discretion. Our experience has found that you will be ticketed or charged.

Often, HARA gets calls for help from shops the day after their order completion date has expired and the work ordered has not been started. You do not want to be in that position. Please consider government orders with the seriousness they deserve. Fines in the $10,000 range are not unusual.

Front Page Losers

If you want to make the front page of your local newspaper, try the following:

Repair-weld gas tanks on the car, drop trouble-light bulbs into spilled pools of gasoline or solvent, keep your only fire extinguisher empty and leave it at the other end of the building. Wash all your spilled solvents and gasoline into the sewer grate and have one of your staff throw their lit cigarette butt into the sewer and hear the loud explosive "bangs" in the houses behind and next to you as the gas and solvent fumes come up through the sewer and basement pipes as their furnace pilot flame lights up.

And yes, frame racks will melt into the ground during a fire.

Or you can avoid all of this type of mess and take care, and the necessary precautions, when handling your shop equipment.

John Norris, executive director of the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA) can be reached at 1-866-309-4272 (HARA) or hara@ciia.com.

(see headlines)

Expanded Apprenticeship Programs A Real, Positive Change For Ontarians

TORONTO, April 13 /CNW/ - Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty today said his government is helping to build a prosperous economy and create North America's best-educated, most highly skilled workforce by investing nearly $18 million in Ontario's apprenticeship training programs.

"Our government is committed to building a strong and prosperous economy by developing our single greatest advantage: our people," said Premier McGuinty. "These apprenticeship programs will provide Ontarians with more opportunities to enter challenging and well-paid careers in skilled trades."

Today's announcement will benefit approximately 28,000 apprentices from across the province by helping colleges update their classrooms and equipment, develop new training materials and provide flexible alternatives such as distance education. It means that people training to be cooks, cabinetmakers, welders, automotive service technicians and others will be able to learn on the most up-to-date equipment, study cutting-edge technology and have access to new teaching techniques.

"We must rank ourselves with the world's best," said Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, Mary Anne Chambers. "Not just because that's a goal we can achieve, but because every day of the year we are competing head-to-head with the world's best for new investments and jobs."

"We won't let skills shortages hold our economy back. The best workers will attract the best jobs with the highest pay, and our goal is to build the best workforce in North America," said Premier McGuinty. "Together we can build a prosperous economy, one that gives all Ontarians a quality of life that's second to none."

(see headlines)

The Skill Centre for Motive Power Trades, located at the college's Welland campus, is home to a highly-experienced and knowledgeable staff, and a facility housing leading-edge equipment, making it the training centre of choice for people interested in the automotive careers.

Officially opened in 1998, the $2.5 million facility was established with the generous support of the motive power industry and is a shining example of the college's commitment to providing a constantly evolving industry with workers skilled in the latest technologies and methods.

The facility is a real-world learning environment that includes four fully-operational shops with the latest in technology, an interactive computer lab and four multi-media classrooms.

Built on the support of industry leaders

The practical, hands-on training delivered by the Skill Centre is enhanced by the support of industry partners like Akzo Nobel Coatings (SIKKENS). The company's support goes beyond dollars and cents and into what matters most - providing students with access to the equipment and products that represent the future of the industry. Azko Nobel has provided the college with technology, training, equipment and the latest products, ensuring the college has the tools to provide the most up-to-date training programs in the province.

"The automotive industry is in need of skilled tradespeople and Akzo Nobel understands that meeting this challenge is key to the success of the industry," said Don Treschak, President of Treschak Enterprises, who distributes SIKKENS products throughout Ontario's golden horseshoe region. "Akzo Nobel's ongoing support of the Skill Centre is not just an investment in training, it's an investment in the future of the industry itself."

The college enjoys the support of many other corporate partners, including AC Delco, Canadian Tire, Chrysler, Ford, ICAR General Motors, Snap-On and SPX, all of whom have shown a generous commitment to motive power training at Niagara.

"Our commitment is to provide graduates and apprentices with the skills that the industry needs today and in the future," said Dave Spear, Manager of Apprenticeship and Skills Training at Niagara College.

A full range of skilled-trades programs

The Skill Centre offers a full range of programs at the pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, post-secondary and trades upgrading levels.

In fact, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities recognized in 2001 the college's long and successful track record in motive power training by selecting Niagara College to deliver a 40-week Pre-Apprenticeship Automotive Service Technician program. This pilot project includes trade preparation, an eight-week Grade 12 equivalency, Level One in-school apprenticeship training and an eight-week work placement.

The Skill Centre is looking to expand is Pre-Apprenticeship offerings, and hopes to receive provincial approval to deliver a similar program in Autobody and Collision Damage Repairer, as well as another AST program tentatively scheduled to start in March, 2003.

Apprenticeship programs are offered in Auto Body and Collision Damage Repairer (Traditional), Automotive Service Technician, Parts Person and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP - Automotive Service Technician).

Apprenticeship programs are offered in day release, block release, night-time or modified formats, a convenience that allows apprentices to hone their skills in the greatest classroom of all - on the job.

In addition to Apprenticeship activity, students can also explore our two-year Post Secondary program in Motive Power Trades - Operations. This is an intensive two years of study that prepare graduates for employment in a wide variety of technical and administrative motive power positions.

Tom Normand graduated from the post-secondary program in 2000 and is now completing his Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship. "The instructors at Niagara have years of experience in the industry, and it shows," he said. "The equipment in the Centre is the equipment that's being used in the shops today, and that's a definite advantage."

Paul Biggar can see the quality of the college's programs from two sides. As a college instructor, he sees the quality of students the Skill Centre attracts and the high-tech instruction they receive. And as the owner of Drummond Service Station in Niagara Falls, he sees the end result through the quality of the Niagara College-trained apprentices he has hired.

"The facility is state-of-the-art, and we have a low student-to-teacher ratio that allows our instructors to spend more time one-on-one with students."

And, according to Biggar, someone who's looking for a career that's challenging and full of opportunity, there's no better time to look to the motive power trades.

"Ours is a profession that keeps on changing," he said. "There have been huge technological advances in the automotive trades - much more so than other trades. And for anyone looking to enter the automotive trades, the Skill Centre for Motive Power Training offers a location that's second to none."

The Skills Centre for Motive Power Training is dedicated to meeting Niagara College's mission statement: "Enriching lives and fulfilling dreams by preparing students to pursue and achieve career success." Situated in the heart of the Niagara Peninsula, Welland and the Niagara Region is a progressive community that offers a safe and comfortable quality of life that combines convenience and accessibility with a low cost of living. What
it doesn't have is the traffic jams, high costs and other stresses that come with larger cities.

(see headlines)

Over 30 attendants were present at a recent 2-day workshop presented by the Collision Associates repairer network in Halifax. The workshop, which focused on sales and consumer behavior was led by Scott Wheeler, a 20+ year veteran in the collision repair industry from Minnesota. Scott spent years as a shop owner, and in the Marketing Dept of ABBRA, and now works as a BDM with Akzo Nobel.

Specifically Scott addressed the issues of the difficulties in changing traffic patterns to today's collision centers, "the closing ratio must be higher given that it can take months and years for other marketing initiatives to direct more traffic to a shop.

Scott spoke passionately about his experiences in the collision repair industry and his learning by consulting with many shops throughout the USA. According to Scott, you have to think creatively "don't tell me an idea won't work unless you can propose a better way" This type of statement set the tone for a very informative, innovative and unprecedented session.

Collision Associates partners and front line staff and managers participated in breakout sessions with jobbers. Shops learned that it is about "what you do beyond fixing the car that really counts and that creates a truly memorable experience for the client" Participants teamed up to create new ways of presenting to the consumer, focusing on education to increase closing ratios. Developing strategies to gain commitment form customers was also a key focus. Scott Wheeler also spent half a day explaining the
benefits of tracking customer satisfaction through and independent Research Company and how to use the report as a key marketing tool.

"The training was a tremendous success says terry Hill", of The Coachworks Limited, a Collision Associates partner - "Scott provided many ideas that will improve my business"

Collision Associates is a repair network comprised of independent and dealer collision centers committed to business development and customer satisfaction.

(see headlines)

Part of global downsizing efforts

Chemical giant DuPont Co. is cutting 200 Canadian jobs as part of a move to eliminate 3,500 positions -- six per cent of its global workforce -- by year's end.

The reductions disclosed yesterday, part of a previously announced cost-cut program, include the closure of a Lycra spandex stretch-fibre operation with the loss of 85 jobs in Maitland, near Brockville.

Other jobs at the Maitland complex, which employs about 600 people making refrigerants and other commodity chemicals, will continue as the plant changes ownership in a sale expected to be completed at the end of this month.

The other 115 Canadian job losses "will impact most of the business units and administrative functions across Canada," said spokesman Richard Gareau.

Worldwide, DuPont said it will terminate 3,000 positions through severance arrangements and shuffle off 500 through attrition. It will also eliminate 450 contract jobs. Most cuts will be in North America and Western Europe.

DuPont, founded in 1802 and operating in more than 70 countries, expects to book a second-quarter restructuring charge of $180 million US, largely to cover severance costs.

In Canada, the move to cut stretch-fibre production in Maitland comes ahead of the completion of DuPont's sale of the international Invista division to Koch Industries. The $4.4-billion-US sale of the former DuPont Textiles and Interiors division to privately held Koch, announced in November, is expected to close April 30.

After that, DuPont's Canadian subsidiary, under the name E.I. du Pont Canada Co., will be halved to about 2,000 employees at its headquarters in Mississauga, and at a packaging-products plant in Whitby; an engineered-stone producer in Thetford Mines, Que.; and a Vancouver factory making emergency smoke hoods.

DuPont said in December it intended to reduce worldwide annual costs by $900 million US this year and next by cutting jobs, streamlining product lines and making other changes. Yesterday's cuts are expected to save $325 million US a year.

"These actions will help assure the near- and long-term competitiveness of our businesses worldwide as well as progress toward our mission of sustainable growth," Charles Holliday, chairman and CEO, said in a release from the head office in Wilmington, Del.

DuPont also expects to deliver about $375 million in cost reductions by reducing spending on contract services, supplies, telecommunications and information technology.

In January, the parent firm reported a fourth-quarter profit of $636 million US, up 81 per cent from a year earlier.

(courtesy of the Hamilton Spectator)

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FROZEN UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE TUITION FEES EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

(April 8, 2004) - The McGuinty government is delivering real, positive change for postsecondary students by confirming that it will freeze college and university tuition for two years, effective immediately, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, Mary Anne Chambers announced today. For more information, visit:

http://ogov.newswire.ca/ontario/GPOE/2004/04/08/c9562.html?lmatch=&lang=_e.h
tml

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Police in Quebec and Ontario have arrested more than 50 people in connection with a major car theft ring, in which expensive SUVs were stolen and then sold for only a third of their normal cost.

Early Wednesday morning, officers conducted raids in a number of communities throughout the two provinces, seizing more than $1 million worth of stolen cars.

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Toronto, Ontario-April 6- The Yves Landry Foundation is inviting applications and nominations for our 2004 Academic Awards to be presented at our 5th Annual STARS Technological Education Gala "CELEBRATION" on November 18, 2004 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, Grand Ballroom, 123 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario.

The PDF version of our 2004 Application and Nomination Form can be downloaded from our website (www.ylandryfund.org). La version française sera bientôt disponible. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2004.

These awards are open to all Canadian high schools, colleges and universities that best demonstrate ingenuity and creativity in advancing technological education and skills training in the areas of Youth Apprenticeship; Innovative Manufacturing Technology; Technical Career Awareness; Sustainable Development; Co-Operative Education; and Technical Renewal.

Thanks to the generous corporate patrons who provide the funding for these Awards including APMA (Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association); DaimlerChrysler Canada; Linamar Corporation; The Woodbridge Group; and Shell Canada Limited. CLB Media Inc. is the official media sponsor of the STARS Gala.

If you require a hard copy of the 2004 Academic Award Application and Nomination Form, please feel free to contact the Yves Landry Foundation by phone or email.

-30-

For more information contact:
David W. Beckerson
416.620.5464, ext. 500; 866.232.4411
Ylandryfund@apma.ca
www.ylandryfund.org

Yves Landry Foundation
195 The West Mall, Suite 516
Toronto, Ontario M9C 5K1

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Limited time update welding training costs reduced by over 65%

March 31, 2004

In conjunction with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, Mohawk College is offering special welding updating courses for registered journeypersons in Ontario.

These welding programs run on a continuous intake basis, which means the journeypersons are admitted every Monday. Students sign up for a minimum of one week, but there is no maximum length.

Each student will attend a different length of time, based on what they want to learn and how much experience that student may already have.

The program normally costs $499 per week for 30 hours. Under the Upgrade program for eligible tradespersons, the weekly cost is reduced to $167 per week for 30 hours, but only until April 30, 2004. A tax deductible receipt is issued.

In order to enter the program, registered journeypersons must contact Fred Nichols at (905) 575-1212, extension 5046 to discuss their needs, experience and to plan for a certain number of week(s) of training.

For further information on this program or to enroll in the HARA Basic Estimating course being offered starting April 12, 2004, please call the HARA office at 1-866-309-4272 (HARA) or by e-mail at hara@ciia.com

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Auditors offering May 12 free session to assist in meeting new law

March 31, 2004

Starting January 1, 2004, a new federal requirement was put into place to protect the privacy of information that is provided to you by customers at your shop. This new legislation identifies the ten basic principles for handling personal and private information and a customer’s rights to its collection and use.

Called the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), the Act requires businesses to both have a policy for and respect for, the confidentiality and security of all personal information to which they have access.

In broad terms, a repair facility is responsible to protect the private and personal information from a customer, for instance, and would not be able to release that information to a third party, without the permission of the customer.

To assist collision repair shop owners with understanding the new requirements and providing shops with information to help them, HARA’s auditors, Scott, Batenchuk and Co., will be co-hosting an informative seminar “Privacy and the Private Sector”.

This seminar is free to HARA members and will take place on Wednesday May 12, 2004, 8:30 am –11:00 am. Location is the Atrium, 5420 North Service Road, Burlington, Ontario

If you are interested in attending this free workshop, please contact Katrina Wylie at (905) 632-5978 or e-mail kwylie@scottbat.ca prior to May 3, 2004

Complete details and directions will be forwarded to you two weeks prior to the seminar date.

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Sears exits auto service business

By Lisa Grace Marr
The Hamilton Spectator

Sears Canada is driving out of the vehicle service business, affecting about 775 employees across the country, but not many in Hamilton or Burlington.

Sears has licensed three other companies to operate 36 of its 49 auto centres. Active Green & Ross, an auto service company, will be taking over the Ontario locations.

Eight of 14 Sears auto centres in Ontario, including the Burlington Mall and Hamilton's Centre Mall, will be converted to Active Green & Ross. Additionally, Active Green & Ross will reopen three Sears centres in Ontario that closed in 2001, adding about 40 jobs in Cornwall, Hamilton (at Lime Ridge Mall) and Thornhill.

Sears said it expects most of the employees at the locations that will be converted to the Kal Tire, President Tire or Active Green & Ross banners will be offered jobs with the new operators.

"We own the buildings there but they'll come in and take over the whole operation," said Vince Power, Sears spokesman. "The employees will be Active Green and Ross employees. The Sears card will still be accepted in a new deal with Active Green & Ross and Sears will still be selling its popular Diehard batteries.

"Warranties from (Burlington and Hamilton Centre) will be honoured at those locations ... For customers who want to go to the same place, and maybe deal with the same people, get Sears points, that will be handy for them."

Power said the Hamilton Centre Mall Sears vehicle centre was the second such centre in Canada, opening in 1954. The Burlington Mall location was opened in the 1960s.

"We've had a great group of employees over a number of years so we're sad to lose them but we're hoping they'll find jobs with the new auto centres," he said.

Power said the move was made in order to allow Sears to focus on its core business: apparel, furniture and appliances.

Brent Hollister, Sear Canada's president and chief operating officer, said "Sears and these three reputable auto service and tire providers share the same core values of quality products and exceptional service."

The shift to the new operators is to take place in May.

Six Sears auto centres will close, including one in St. Catharines.

(courtesy Hamilton Spectator)

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Ford Motor Co. of Canada Ltd. is setting up a fund of up to $50 million to compensate about 100 dealers who are adversely affected by the auto maker's decision to convert Mercury outlets into Ford stores.

An Ottawa judge has approved the fund in a settlement of a 4 1/2-year-old class-action lawsuit by dealers against Ford.

The lawsuit alleged Ford was breaching franchise agreements.

"The settlement reached was a compromise by both parties so as to avoid long and expensive litigation," Madam Justice Lynn Ratushny of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice said in approving the deal.

A group of Ford dealers sued the auto giant in 1999 after the Oakville-based automaker converted about 125 Lincoln Mercury outlets into Ford stores in an effort to improve brand awareness and trim the number of dealerships nationwide.

The dealers argued their franchise agreements prohibited another Ford outlet within 15 kilometres of an existing store without market research to justify the move.

Ratushny said the settlement recognizes the need to compensate Ford dealers for loss of goodwill when a nearby Mercury Lincoln outlet became a competing Ford store.

Furthermore, she said it allows Ford dealers to get assistance from the company to resolve "the most egregious circumstances" where the switch of a Mercury Lincoln outlet into a Ford store resulted in over-representation by the company and the inability of the local market to support both retailers.

Under the terms of the settlement, about 30 dealers are eligible for a total of $28.2 million if a Mercury-Lincoln store closed or two retailers consolidated or relocated.

Another 70 dealers can qualify for a total of $18.2 million if their sales volumes changed when another Ford store entered the local market.

Ford will also set aside money to pay for costs of the litigation, administration of the fund and any arbitrations.

The company has a major role in deciding which dealers get access to the fund, Ratushny said. A formula will determine their eligibility depending on the number of dealers in a market or whether a Mercury dealer needed to close a store or two retailers consolidated or relocated.

But Ratushny rejected requests by two plaintiffs in the lawsuit for changes in the formula for allocation of money from the funds.

The two Ford dealers bought out competing Mercury retailers for $1.4 million in separate deals but sought amendments to qualify for more money under the bigger part of the fund.

Other dealers said yesterday no one was satisfied with the final terms of the settlement but it avoided lengthy and costly litigation and resulted in a rewriting of the company's franchise agreements.

"It was like suing your wife and still living with her," Del Bedard of Thorncrest Ford in suburban Etobicoke said, describing the awkward relationship between the company and dealers during the dispute.

He said the negotiations have also led to a strong foundation for a better relationship with the automaker.

"The franchise agreement we now we have with Ford is the best in the industry,'' Bedard added in a phone interview from a ski hill in Aspen, Colo.

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Six night course teaches fundamental principles

February 2004

The Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA) announces that the popular basic estimating training course is back to help those shop or office employees who need assistance in estimating collision damage on cars and light trucks in Ontario.

Taught by experienced apprenticeship instructor, Jim Miles, this six night course includes, introduction to estimating, understanding vehicle construction, fundamentals of estimate writing, understanding collision manuals, additional charges and collision damage analysis.

Starting April for three weeks in the evening, the course is being offered in response to shop inquiries. Location is the Motive Power training facility at Mohawk College in Stoney Creek and a new Peel region course offered in Mississauga.

A course outline and student information sheet is available on request. Students on the waiting list will get priority. Classes are from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Class size is limited so please call early to avoid disappointment. Class notes are included.

Course fee is $350.00 plus GST for trade association members and $450.00 plus GST for non-members.

Students can register by calling the Association office at (905) 664-7888 or
1-866-309-HARA (4272) . Students can also register by e-mailing hara@ciia.com

Mon and Wed 6:30-9:30 pm Mohawk College, Stoney Creek

April 12, 14
April 19, 21
April 26, 28

Mon and Wed 6:30-9:30 pm Mander’s Appraisal, 1105 Queensway E (at Dixie Rd), Mississauga

May 3, 5
May 10, 12
May 17, 19

Tues and Thurs 6:30-9:30 pm Mohawk College, Stoney Creek

May 11, 13
May 18, 20
May 25, 27

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NEW ONLINE ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING DATES

The Canadian Paint and Coatings Association (CPCA), representing all major auto refinish coatings manufacturers in Canada, and the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA), has recently announced a series of new training opportunities for body-shop owners. These new training programs will help shop owners meet environmental compliance requirements, reduce emissions from paint use in shops, and provide profitability tips to help shop owners improve their bottom line.

Courses will begin on the start date (Monday morning) and students will have access to the web-based course for one-week ending on the following Sunday evening.
Students must register a week prior to the desired start date. Late registrations will be processed for the next session.

Schedule of Upcoming Dates for the Profit For Good Environmental Management Online Delivery.

February 16-22, 2004

March 15-21, 2004

April 12-18, 2004

May 17-23, 2004

June 14-20, 2004

Click here to register

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NEW HARA CONTACT INFORMATION

The HARA office has new phone numbers. We apologize for any recent inconvenience. We are eager to hear from you and help you with any problems or needs.

Our new contact information is below:

Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA)
mailing: P.O. Box 47594, Centre Mall,
Hamilton, Ontario
L8H 7S7

Office: 350 Dosco Drive, 2nd Floor
Stoney Creek, Ontario
L8E 2N5

Phone (905) 664-7888
Fax (905) 664-3340
Toll free 1-866-309-4272 (HARA)

E-mail hara@ciia.com

Best wishes,

John Norris

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