GOVERNMENT SAYS NO STUDY DONE ON IMPACT OF REGULATIONS
ON REPAIR SHOP PROFITABILITY

Government says as high as $772 million industry cost will close some shops.

April 26, 2008

Environment Canada today released their long-awaited low-VOC regulations for auto refinish paints in Canada, taking pains to not mention waterborne paints once.

Although shops are not regulated in this federal announcement, the new content rules for product, that takes effect at the beginning of 2010, means that the major coatings firms that possess more than 85% of the Canadian market will not be allowed to manufacture, offer for sale, sell, or import auto refinish coatings that do not conform with VOC content regulations announced. Exceptions apply, in aerosol spray containers, small volume applications (touch-up), OEM manufacture, lab use and export as well as a possible discussion on "exempt" solvents.

For auto refinish shops, who are regulated provincially, this means that obtaining some of the current product they use now will not be possible after the start of 2010, and current inventories need to be depleted. Although Environment Canada, in its enforcement budget, has only allocated less than a loonie per shop to deal with violators, it is expected that shops will need to at least change over to a low-VOC basecoat to be able to ensure continuing product supply. In most cases, for light vehicle painting, this is offered as a "waterborne" paint replacement, however Environment Canada says that most product in Canada now will not meet new standards.

Environment Canada admits that with 72% of the shops in Canada being in the "small category", that there will be impacts on their profitability and staying in business, although they admit they never studied shop profitability due to a lack of data. It is expected that shops will need to spend $141 million in new equipment costs, $125 million for new paints and $55 million in training to meet the new regulations, although a government "worst case scenario" identifies costs as high as $772 million in total. Paint costs are expected to rise 5 % per year for four years (largely due to transport and storage costs) and less after that. Government again admits that there is significant uncertainly that these figures are accurate.

Some shops will close, forecasts Environment Canada but they expect technicians to be hired by other repair shops. They admit that cost-cutting by insurers means shops are not in a position to increase the repair price, while the decline in the number of repair jobs results in lower revenues and profit margins for all repair shops. The government also expects that consumer paid repair price increases will be unlikely.

It is expected that shop costs will be between 1% and 2.5 percent of gross revenues, each year for the next 25 years. Taken in dollars, it means that the average shop must now budget an extra average $6000 per year, every year for the next 25 years for these new expected costs, assuming paint cost increases are as forecast.

Environment Canada did not announce any efforts to address underground economy or illicit product use operations, which was a major concern of the industry shop trade associations. No special credit or tax incentives for shops were offered although the government has identified the ongoing Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) for possible financing applications from shops.

Voluntary actions, rather than regulatory means, were promoted by the auto refinish shop industry to address lowering VOCs in Canada, with positive voluntary effort by industry accounting for a nine kiloton reduction to date in VOC emissions. The government diminished those actions, calling them insufficient, and that new regulatory methods announced will reduce emission from shops by a further 2 kilotons a year (or a further 40% of current emission level). These reductions anticipated through regulation would mean that auto refinish industry contribution to VOC reduction in total Canadian emissions will be one tenth of one percent of all VOC emissions.

"Our association has worked for cleaner air and lower emissions for many years and welcomes further emission reductions for the industry, and we also recognize that the costs of this regulation may be tough for some shops but the regulations will change the industry face forever, towards a better operating, more compliant, environmentally friendly new image." said HARA and www.ciia.com President and shop owner, Tony Nigro.

For more information, please call the association at 1 866 309 4272 or
see www.autobodyhelp.ca

(See Headlines)

NEW SPONSORS SUPPORT UPCOMING I-CAR ® MEETING AND ITS NEW CUSTOMER-
FOCUSED ROLE IN THE INTER-INDUSTRY

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - April 28, 2008 - In addition to companies that have supported I-CAR over the years, several new sponsors are backing the 2008 I-CAR International Annual Meeting and the new opportunities available at this meeting. This year's meeting will give those in the inter-industry the chance to share their perspectives and to have I-CAR listen. It will also be an opportunity to receive current, first-hand information from a number of OEM participants and other presenters, to better understand the direction in which I-CAR is moving forward, and to have the chance to network with others in the inter-industry.

Over 50% of this year's financial supporters for this event are new. "With additional companies involved in this year's meeting, it will be rewarding to receive feedback from an even larger pool of inter-industry members. This will shape the way I-CAR moves forward in serving the industry with relevant training," explained Joyce Kasmer, I-CAR Director of Marketing.

Independent Automotive Damage Appraisers (IADA) Executive Vice President John Williams said, "We at IADA feel

I-CAR is the most recognized authority for training and continued education within the collision repair industry."

Bruce R. Pohlig, President of Car Bench North America commented, "Car Bench is supporting I-CAR because we believe in the I-CAR mission to educate and inform.  By contributing our knowledge and resources to this effort, we hope to support the I-CAR industry-leading educational programs, with the vision of all body shops producing complete, accurate, and safe repairs. As a leading supplier of OEM-approved benches, jigs, and pulling systems, we know that it is only with the proper training and equipment that technicians can successfully repair today's vehicles.  Pohlig added, "For Car Bench, participating as an event sponsor at the 2008 I-CAR International Annual Meeting signifies our commitment to helping the industry achieve a high level of technical training."

A Transtar Autobody Technologies, Inc. representative stated, "Transtar stands by its reputation as a premium manufacturer of automotive refinish product solutions that benefit their customers, the industry and the environment. We are thrilled to sponsor this very important event that draws automotive repair professionals from around the world."

-More-

As I-CAR reorganizes itself to become a more customer-focused organization, the industry's support will be vital in order to provide the latest in technical training to help achieve proper and safe repairs to consumer's vehicles. I-CAR thanks the current international annual meeting event sponsors and invites the industry to join these businesses in their event participation.

Current Sponsors (as of April 28, 2008)

Platinum Level

• 3M

Gold Level

• Avis Budget Group
• BASF Corporation
• Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA)*
• LKQ Corporation
• Total Resource Auctions*
• Transtar Autobody Technologies*

Silver Level

• Auto Body World*
• BMW of North America, LLC*
• Car Bench North America*
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car
• General Motors
• GreenLeaf Auto Recyclers*
• Hertz Corporation
• Independent Automotive Damage Appraisers (IADA)*
• Rubber Seal Products*
• Wurth USA Inc.*

* Denotes first time sponsor of I-CAR International Annual Meeting

Visit www.i-car.com/annualmeeting to view the event agenda, registration, current sponsor listing, sponsorship opportunities, and more.

###

I-CAR, founded in 1979, is an international not-for-profit training organization dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of consumers.

(See Headlines)

I-CAR ® ADDRESSES CIC WITH ITS NEW FOCUS WITHIN THE INTER-INDUSTRY

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - April 17, 2008 - Chairman of the I-CAR Board of Directors and interim CEO, John Edelen addressed the Collision Industry Conference (CIC) on Wednesday, April 16, at the Crowne Plaza in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he spoke about I-CAR's recommitment to its core values, its recent reorganization, and how it is moving forward with a new customer-focused operating model.

"Thirty years ago I-CAR was created by the inter-industry to fulfill a fundamental need - the need for access to the training necessary to complete a safe quality repair," explained Edelen. "Today, I-CAR is refocusing on those needs through a reorganization that aligns itself around consistent feedback from its customers."

Edelen said, "As part of the reorganization, we established a new marketing and distribution organization bringing our field operations group - our instructors and volunteers - and marketing closer together. This was designed to bring the decisions about what products and services I-CAR will offer closer to the marketplace, closer to the consumers of those products."

He added that the identification of six distinct industry segments - collision repair; vehicle insurance; vehicle manufacturing; tool, equipment and supply; education, training and related research; and, other related industry services - also help to shape the direction of the reorganization.

"When we announced the re-organization in November, we also announced that I-CAR would establish six Industry Segment Advisory Councils made up of industry participants from the six market segments in which I-CAR serves," Edelen said. "Through these Industry Advisory Councils, we will work to identify the training needs of the industry segment, and how we can best respond to them."

While I-CAR is not planning to move in the direction of segment-specific curriculum, Edelen noted that "The organization needs to provide product and services that are effective, relevant, contemporary, and that meet the training needs across the inter-industry segments." He added, "To deliver on this goal, I-CAR needs to engage with the inter-industry on a segment basis to ensure that it has a clear view of the needs and interests of each segment, and strives to address them as efficiently and effectively as possible through its curriculum design and delivery."

Edelen also commented on the current financial condition of I-CAR noting that while the organization continues to enjoy very respectable levels of revenue, the revenue growth has been outpaced by the rate of escalation in its operating expenses and that it is actively working to stop any further deterioration in its cash position by recommitting to an acceptable level of profitability which has included reducing staff levels and considering the sale of some assets.

Edelen said, "We found it necessary to consolidate some roles and activities, to reduce resource levels in some areas, and to eliminate some roles. This resulted in the reduction of the overall staffing needs of the organization, and the termination of the employees impacted by these decisions."

He also noted that I-CAR has invested a significant portion of its cash in its buildings in Appleton, Wisconsin, and in Hoffman Estates, Illinois and that they are looking at various possibilities with the property as a means of further strengthening its cash position.

Edelen went on to state that, "No one should take these developments as an indication that I-CAR is failing - financially or operationally. To the contrary, we have identified our opportunities for improvement and we are acting purposefully to address them. I-CAR is moving quickly to a new operating model: customer-focused, market-driven, and fact-based in its approach to its activities and decisions. It is this strategic approach that will guide us in the future," he added.

###

A collision repair evening on profitable shop management and consumer credit
Hosted by:

Please join Bob Worts of Carrus Technologies Inc. as he discusses the following issues:

          •  Value of knowing the financials on each repair job and for your shop
          •  Is your door labour rate reasonable?
          •  Are your costs of labour and goods sold making you money?
          •  Are you missing out on profit issues?
          •  How does a shop management tool work?  

Please join Pierre Genest of Travelers Automotive Aftermarket Finance as he explains:

          •  Their new changeover program from RIFCO
          •  Why retail credit is a good option to offer customers
          •  How the new vendor application forms work
          •  How shops receive 103% of the total bill within 36 hours

 *Please Note :
   RIFCO is no longer in the retail repair financing business. Current RIFCO applicants    must sign a new agreement with Travelers.

Date:      Thursday, April 24, 2008 

Time:        6:30 pm

Location: Motive Power Training Centre
              606 Rennie Street, Hamilton
              1-866-309-4272

Cost:       Members            No Charge
              Non-Members      $10.00 per person

For additional information, please contact the Association and www.ciia.com
office at 1- 866-309-4272
or
Pierre Genest 1-800-637-8622

(See Headlines)

Automechanika Canada Seminars Cover Marketing, Management, Hybrids

Automechanika Canada, the only trade show in Canada dedicated to all facets of the automotive aftermarket, will offer a range of educational opportunities during its three-day seminar program, June 19-21, at the International Centre in Toronto.
Included in the program are a keynote address by Bob Greenwood, an award-winning automotive aftermarket industry expert; seven industry seminars; and nine educational courses.

From repairs of hybrids to marketing strategies, sales effectiveness and shop profitability, the 2008 Automechanika Canada educational classes and workshops will provide relevant, accessible learning to the automotive aftermarket.

Craig Van Batenburg, of the Automotive Career Development Center, will facilitate three educational sessions including a practical class detailing what every automotive business owner needs to know about servicing hybrid vehicles, and a new session in which he explains the various issues his training company has encountered with their six hybrid vehicles over the past eight years. In addition, Craig's wife, Deb, will join him in leading a class on management skills for men and women. With the industry's need for competent help and the increase in women entering the workforce, this session offers effective ways to communicate across gender lines.

Business Training International's Kelly Bennett will address two of the industry's greatest challenges in two workshops designed to assist participants in developing actionable plans: Marketing! It's More Than Just Advertising and Effective Selling Without Sacrificing Customer Service. By analyzing the skills required to develop and execute a marketing strategy, and assess sales and customer service effectiveness, Bennett guides participants to improved skills and lasting and profitable impact.

For more information and a schedule of the seminar and educational opportunties, visit www.AutomechanikaCanada.com.

Automechanika Canada is produced and owned jointly by Messe Frankfurt, Inc. and Business Information Group, publisher of Bodyshop Professional, Jobber News and SSGM magazines.

(See Headlines)

Collision Repair Registrations Surge At Canada's Largest Autobody School
221 Applications Of Interest For Only 65 Training Positions

April 15, 2008

A skills shortage of new collision repair technicians in Canada?  Not at Canada's largest autobody and collision damage repair technician training school at Toronto's Centennial College.

The Ashtonbee campus, fresh from an almost one million dollar renovation and update, is home to one of the busiest apprenticeship and fee-payer techniques autobody training programs in the country.  The new paint lab, supported by PPG Canada, is teaching new waterborne technologies to their new Automotive Painter apprenticeship clas s  of eleven students  while their four collision repair classes this year  varied between 19 and 30 studnets per class. 

Peter Woodall, Motive Power and Motorcycle Programs Chair at the College says that of 231 potential technicians that were interested into their  36  week long Autobody Techniques program, 178 qualified for entry and were offered placements.  58 out of a possible maximum class load of 65 have confirmed their attendance. The rest of the training spots are filling up fast and applications need to be sent in quickly to confirm a spot.

The current class of graduates will be eligible for employment on May 16 when the current class ends. Those graduates are then eligible for Job Connect subsidies to offer their employers and can quality for exemption testing so that they do not need to complete a full apprenticeship schooling at that point.

Those young people interested in a career in collision repair can check out the College  web site at www.centennialcollege.ca for the Auto Body Techniques class or if already employed at a collision repair shop, you can talk to their employer about the value of becoming an Auto Body and Collision Damage Repair apprentice in Ontario.

Employers can receive a significant  incentives, grants  and credits to lower their risk and costs in hiring a collision damage apprentice technician.

Shops can access that information at www.ciia.com under "Printable Documents".

(See Headlines)

I-CAR RETURNS TO ITS ROOTS AS IT WORKS WITH THE COLLISION INDUSTRY

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL - April 14, 2008 - Under the leadership of Chairman of the I-CAR Board of Directors and Interim CEO, John Edelen, I-CAR staff members are joining forces with the collision repair inter-industry as the nearly 30-year-old organization re-examines its commitment to those it serves. As it evaluates its own performance, as well as developments within the inter-industry, I-CAR is seeking direct input from the six industry segments for which it provides training: collision repair facilities; vehicle insurers; vehicle manufacturers; tool, equipment, and supply manufacturers and distributors; education, training, and related research organizations; and other related services within the industry.

"The next step is to integrate the external perspective so that we can grow in our role as a training organization through enhanced products and services that will meet the needs of the industry today and in the future," explained Joyce Kasmer, I-CAR Director of Marketing.

Professionals within each segment have been invited to bring their knowledge to the table as members of newly-formed Industry Segment Advisory Councils that will work in concert with I-CAR staff to provide updated and more relevant content to course offerings. The initial work of the advisory councils will involve reaching out to their respective industry colleagues for data that will help I-CAR achieve its goal of obtaining a clear view of the needs and interests of each segment and to address them as efficiently and effectively as possible through its curriculum design and delivery.

Advisory councils representing the collision repair and insurance segments have been established as part of the first phase of moving to a more customer-focused model. Teams representing other segments of the collision repair training market will also be established in the coming months.

I-CAR would like to acknowledge the following Industry Segment Advisory Council members representing collision repair facilities: Craig Griffin, Laney's Collision; Barry Dorn, Dorn's Body & Paint; Paul Blaski, Sterling Autobody Centers; Brett Bailey, CARSTAR; Rose Grenell, ABRA; Jim Pickett, Service King; Aaron Clark, Collision Solutions; and Chuck Lee, Gerber Collision & Glass.

-More-

I-CAR would also like to acknowledge the following Industry Segment Advisory Council members representing the insurance industry: Mike DeVoss, State Farm Insurance; Chris Andreoli, Progressive Insurance; Bob Woods, OneBeacon Insurance; James Giles, American National Property & Casualty; Chuck Williams, Unitrin/Kemper; and Gerry Poirier, AIG.

I-CAR will hold its first meeting with the Collision Repair Facility ISAC on May 6 at its Training Support Center in Hoffman Estates, IL.

###

I-CAR, founded in 1979, is an international not-for-profit training organization dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of consumers.

(See Headlines)

UNSAFE VEHICLE CASE THROWN OUT OF TORONTO COURT

Buick had candles instead of headlights and used pedal power-no floor Trevor Baldwin has a pedal-powered car.  It has no transmission or engine.  It needs four occupants to pedal together to get to it's top speed of 15 kilometers an hour. The car is a rolling ad for the evils of gas consumption. Last October Trevor was pulled over and charged with operating an unsafe vehicle. When it went to court, there were a lot of snickers and laughter and eventually the case was thrown out. Trevor's legal representative asked where the evidence existed that the car was illegal. According to media reports, the first thing Trevor did after the acquittal was, with three friends, take the car out and enjoy a nice tour of the neighbourhood.

(See Headlines)

NABC Opens Nominations for 2008 PRIDE Awards

"Generosity is giving more than you can, and Pride is taking less than you need."- Jules Renard

Richmond, VA, April 4, 2008 - The National Auto Body Council (NABC) PRIDE Committee is pleased to announce that it is opening nominations for the 2008 PRIDE Awards, which recognize those in the collision industry who selflessly donate their time, energy and financial resources to worthy causes outside the industry.

This is the thirteenth year NABC has sponsored the PRIDE Awards, and Chairman Gary Wano is looking forward to another great year of nominations that celebrate all the positives that make repairers proud of their profession.

"Many industry people committed to making the world a better place are quiet about it," Wano comments. "They simply roll up their sleeves and get the job done, whether it's running into a burning building to save a child, giving an elderly person rides to the grocery story, or feeding the homeless at a shelter. We continue to dig down, unearth these unsung champions and get the word out about them."

Last year, the industry gave us four extraordinary PRIDE winners. Here is a brief recap of what each accomplished.

Barbara Cellini from Broadway Auto Rebuilders in South Chicago Heights, Illinois started the Thomas Cellini Huntington's Foundation after her husband, Tom, was diagnosed with the disease. The foundation is a leader in Huntington's research and gathers financial resources for families whose lives have been disrupted by the disease.

Kevin DeWayne Jackson -parts manager for Indianapolis-based Collision Solutions-continues to fill a pressing need. He and his wife have brought over 65 foster children into their home. They have adopted three of these children as their own, adding to a wonderful household into which three children have been born.

Patricia McConnell, president of Old Dominion CARSTAR in Eugene and Springfield, Oregon currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Relief Nursery, a non-profit organization that serves children in Lane County (Oregon) who are either the victims of abuse or at risk of being abused. Patricia donated a vehicle to the Relief Nursery and is ensuring that donated services keep the van in top condition. She also assists in ensuring that these children get to enjoy holidays, vacations and have a safe place to go.

John (Whitey) Westlund , from Lehman's Garage in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, was brought to the committee's attention through a 30-page nomination form from shop owner Darrell Amberson. In addition to devoting over 60 years to the auto industry, Whitey has battled alcoholism. The pages were filled with personal testimonials recognizing Whitey for all that he has done over the last 33 years to help others claim victory over the disease.

Wano wants to make this year's nominations every bit as memorable as 2007 and is issuing a challenge. "Please take the time to think about the good things that happen around you," he says, "and help us recognize those who are truly deserving. After all, NABC makes it easy to participate. A downloadable version of the nomination form is available on the Council's website, www.autobodycouncil.org , and there is also a version that can be completed and submitted online."

NABC is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the image of the collision industry. Our ongoing and continued success is a direct result of the efforts and support of our sponsoring companies and membership. Please contact NABC directly for membership information. Call 1-888-667-7433 (888-66PRIDE) or go to www.autobodycouncil.org .

NABC ~ Changing the image of our industry, one consumer at a time.

(See Headlines)

BASIC ESTIMATING COURSES OFFERED

12 th year of offering popular training
Commencing April 22nd

The popular basic estimating collision repair training course is back to help shop or office employees, new estimators and insurance company staff who may 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.

The first evening course commences April 22nd, two classes per week over a three-week period.

Time & Locations:
Motive Power Training Centre
606 Rennie Street
Hamilton, ON
6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Monday and Wednesday evenings, commencing Monday, April 28th , 2008.

Eugene Collision Ltd. - Conference/Boardroom
8 Eugene Street
Toronto, ON
6:30 pm to 9:30pm
Tuesday, and Thursday evenings, commencing Tuesday, April 22nd , 2008.

Cost:
Association Members - $350.00 plus GST, per person
Non-Members - $450.00 plus GST, per person

Students can register by contacting the Association and www.ciia.com office at 1-866-309-4272 or e-mailing info@ciia.com .

Prepayment is Mandatory

(See Headlines)

Atlantic Automotive Industry Welcomes CARSability

( Ottawa , ON ) March 28, 2008  "The Automotive Industry needs innovative HR tools to assist small & medium owners assess and develop their employees. It's important, now more than ever, to be able to benchmark the skills on the shop floor and turn training into business growth." These are the words of Corrie Robley , Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Automotive Human Resource Sector Council, who, as host/organizer of The Nova Scotia Automotive Industry 8 th Annual Awards Evening welcomed the arrival of CARSability in the Maritimes.  The event held at Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax on February 21 st , marked the second milestone in the rollout of CARSability, the new tool, designed to help automotive service and repair facilities get the best return on their training investment dollar.

Rifco Shifts Gears With Alliance
By Harley Richards - Red Deer Advocate

A Red Deer-based company with deep roots in the automotive repair finance business is shifting gears.

Rifco Inc. (TSXV: RFC) announced Thursday that it has entered into a "strategic alliance" with Travelers Acceptance Corporation, under which Travelers will assume responsibility for Rifco's network of repair shops and issue all new repair loans through these.

Rifco will focus on automobile dealers, providing non-prime loans for the purchase of new and used vehicles.

Lance Kadatz , Rifco's vice-president and chief financial officer, said the move reflects the evolution of Rifco's business.

"Our auto (purchase financing) business has been growing and gaining momentum for probably over three years," he said.

In fact, Rifco reported that more than 90 per cent of the $3.5 million in loans it originated in February were for auto purchases.

This shift accelerated in November, when Rifco launched an online system that elevated its profile among auto dealers.

Repair loans tend to be smaller and amortized over a shorter period than auto purchase loans, so the associated administrative workload is greater, said Kadatz.

He added that Rifco uses the repaired vehicles as security for loans. Travelers' unsecured consumer finance program is better suited for point-of-sale repair financing.

Rifco will continue to service and collect on its existing repair loans. But Kadatz expects about 75 per cent of these will be repaid within 12 months - allowing his company to ramp up its auto purchase loan business.

The network of dealers that use Rifco's purchase financing service is already growing by about 20 a month, he said.

Kadatz said Rifco's strategic alliance with Travelers should benefit both companies, with Rifco receiving some revenues from Travelers if it is successful.

"They get a network that's used to financing repairs; we get a revenue stream from the business, depending on how good they do."

Rifco will continue to operate in all provinces except Saskatchewan and Quebec .

No significant short-term changes in revenue or expenses are expected as a result of the change.

"Repair financing is where we started; it was our bread and butter when we started," said Kadatz.

Rifco operates through its wholly owned subsidiary Repair Industry Finance Corp.

Travelers has provided indirect consumer financing since 1974. It's active in tuition, automotive aftermarket, automotive repair, vacation ownership, health care, membership, consumer durables, retail, power products and home improvement businesses.

(SEE HEADLINES)

AUTOBODY SHOPS RESPOND TO TORONTO PROPOSED BY-LAW

The Public Health Department for the City Toronto, is proposing a Environment Reporting ad Disclosure Program for businesses(including auto refinishing) in the City of Toronto.

The City of Toronto's proposed bylaw would:

-require that specified facilities report to the city every year if they use or release chemical substances that are of greatest concern to health

-help facilities to focus attention on use and release of these chemicals and facilitate pollution prevention measures

-enable the public to access and understand the information that is collected

Details of the program are found at: www.toronto.ca/health/hphe/enviro_info.htm

Prior to a comment deadline of February 6, 2008, the collision repair industry association, in a report to  the City of Toronto, advised that in consideration that auto refinish facilities already report emissions to the Government of Ontario  under a Certificate of Approval program (known as Section 9 Air of the Ontario Environmental Protection Act , R.S.O. 1990).  Any further reporting would be expensive for shops and duplicative.

The association urges the City of Toronto to work with the data on emission reporting and release information that is contained on every shop's provincial Certificate of Approval.

New Certificate of Approvals are planned for all Ontario shops as they switch to a waterbase product for painting, so an even clearer description of emissions will be reported.  All shops that newly apply for a Certificate of Approval are highlighted with their emission data on the Province of Ontario's web site, called the EBR or Environmental Bill of Rights Registry.

Copies of the nine page report are available free to association members by calling  1 866 309 4272 or e-mailing info@ciia.com

(SEE HEADLINES)

ONTARIO WSIB TO END FULL AMNESTY PROGRAM ON MARCH 31

If your collision repair facility has not registered with the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, a voluntary Full Amnesty is in effect until March 31, 2008. Full amnesty for voluntarily registering businesses means no retroactive premiums, no penalties or reconciliation interest and no prosecution under the Provincial Offences Act at the time of registration. Please see the "Voluntary Registration Policy" at:  http://www.wsib.on.ca/wsib/wsibobj.nsf/LookupFiles/FactSheet_English1939A/$File/1939A_VoluntaryRegPolicy.pdf

 (SEE HEADLINES)

Top Ten Steps To A Safer And More Profitable Shop (20 pages)

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Autobody Profitability Workbook (82 pages)

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Issues Facing The Canadian Collision Repair Industry (39 pages)

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