Local associations will benefit from workshops planned in September through ciia.com, the body shop assistance people, who operate the www.ciia.com collision industry web site.

Workshops are offered through local collision repair trade associations and feature new benefit programs, environmental and profitability programs.

Special guests will be speaking at all workshops, including a September 14th Oshweken, Six Nations workshop to help native shops with handling their specific environmental and profit issues.

Workshops are planned for:

Thunder Bay
Ottawa
London
Sudbury
Burlington
Niagara
Durham Region

For more information on dates and locations please see www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/associations.html

(see headlines)

The London-area autobody association, or OABR (Organization of Auto Body Rebuilders), held a major kick-off meeting at the Marconi Club with over 25 of their local members in attendance.

The hot meal event kick-started the new OABR activities and guest speaker presentations.

The London- area association now uses the services of www.ciia.com, an autobody and collision shop assistance group that operates the industry web site.

They are assisting the association in administration, meeting organization, communications work and send e-mailed and fax information to local shops on a regular basis, working with and helping shops.

The event heard from speakers;

Wes Killins, Director of CISCO (Collision Industry Standards Council of Ontario), representing shops in Ontario with an update on Bill 186, the Collision Repair Standard Act (2002).

Gerald Robinson, representative of the Ontario Service Safety Alliance, on free health and safety audits and assistance offered to help shops reduce injuries and improve compliance.

Jay Perry, an approved benefit vendor, outlining how ABC Consulting can generate more profits for individual shops and how his firm only receives compensation if the shop increases its' profitability.

John Norris, from www.ciia.com on their successes and industry updates.

Local London-area shops can join the local association and receive free manuals, incentive programs, compliance assistance and a new benefit program by calling 1-866-309-4272.

Another event is planned for the Fall

(see headlines)

Mascarin Collision Centre in Thunder Bay is the most recent addition to Collision Solutions Network. Co-owned and operated by Gino Mascarin, Mascarin's has been a community leader since Bert and Gino's father, Silvio, first opened the Centre over 44 years ago. Mascarin Collision Centre truly embarks a forward thinking approach to collision repair with vehicle status reports available on their website and constant training to ensure their
technicians are up-to-date with the latest trends.

On July 8, 2005, Gino and his staff held the Mascarin Collision Smash Bash to launch their membership within CSN as well as their new windshield guarantee program. This function boasted the attendance of over 150 brokers, adjusters and partners in the Thunder Bay Area. Gino Mascarin states, "In an environment that continues to become more specialized and is forever changing, it is important to be associated with an extraordinary partner like the CSN Team. Joining the team ensures our continued dedication to the
future of the industry and places us in a class of true professionals."

With the addition of Mascarin Collision Centre, that's brings CSN's membership to an incredible 37 facilities in just over three years. CSN is expanding its network rapidly and geographically. Julio Bruno, Director, CSN Inc. states, "We are proud to welcome the Mascarin Collision family on board. We feel that they are a perfect match for our team. Mascarin's has been in business for over four decades and like many of our existing
members, is being operated by second generation, with years of experience behind them. We look forward to the opportunity of working with them going forward."

(see headlines)

The furious debate over how much Ontarians really pay for auto insurance reached one conclusion yesterday -- consumers should shop around.

The Canadian Consumers' Association reported yesterday that Ontario's rates are, on average, 45 per cent higher than in British Columbia. And while Hamilton drivers pay the lowest rates in the Greater Toronto Area, their premiums are still far higher than in other Ontario cities. You can usually find a better deal. The Consumers group study almost 4 million quotes for insurance.

"Most drivers find the average company, rather than the lowest rate," sys Lee Romanov, founder of the Consumers' Guide to Insurance. She said most insurance agents and brokers are tied to just four or five carriers and some handle just one or two. That means many consumers aren't finding the best deal.

Bruce Cran, president of the Consumers' Association of Canada, said owners in Ontario are getting burned.

He says studies show a third of Ontario's car accidents aren't reported to insurance companies

"Consumers in Ontario have been clearly harmed by outrageous price increases for auto insurance over the past three years," says Cran, whose group released a report comparing rates in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.

Mark Yakabuski, vice-president of the Insurance Bureau of Canada, said the consumers report shows that there are outlets among Ontario's 150 insurers that offer comparable rates to the British Columbia's government-run monopoly.

"What I want to encourage people to do is indeed take advantage of what we have here in Ontario, a very competitive market," Yakabuski said.

"Look at the many, many other choices that you have before you make your final decisions as to whether you want to go with this company or that company."

The two sides did not agree on much else.

By studying close to four-million quotes in Ontario, the association concluded the province's average insurance premium is $2,384, compared to $1,325 in British Columbia and $1,715 in Alberta.

But Yakabuski says the real number is more like $1,279 and that rates have fallen by 15 per cent -- about $200 a vehicle -- over the past 18 months.

He said the consumers report didn't take into account discounts offered to customers with more than one car, home insurance policies with the same company or rewards for being a loyal customer.

The Ontario government, which pledged to reduce auto insurance rates when they were elected in 2003, also presented numbers in line with industry figures.

The average Ontarian paid $1,391 for insurance in 2004, with 2005 rates projected at $1,379, a finance ministry spokesman said yesterday.

Beyond the provincial differences, the consumers report found vast gaps between premiums paid in Ontario cities.

Hamilton car owners pay almost $600 less for insurance than some drivers in the Greater Toronto Area but more than those in Guelph, London, Ottawa, Windsor and 21/2 times more than drivers in Victoria, B.C.

Perhaps even more eye-popping is knowing that the same driver with one ticket and one accident can pay between $2,051 and $17,468 for insurance in Ontario.

The Ontario government released those numbers in its 2005 rate guide for insurance in February. It showed a 19-year-old driver with a clean record could pay anywhere from $5,750 to $15,551 and a 40-year-old with no accidents or tickets pays between $1,763 and $6,992.

Romanow says many companies charge huge rates for business they aren't really interested in having.

"Basically, the company is saying, 'Go away, we don't want your type of business.' Instead of knocking on your door and telling you to your face, they set these huge rates."

But some consumers are paying that premium, perhaps out of a misguided sense of loyalty to a particular company or the belief they can't do any better. She said everyone should compare their premiums every time their renewal comes up.

"Ontario is paying 45 per cent more than B.C. because people aren't getting the low rates. Consumers really need to wake up."

Yakabuski defended Ontario's free-market system, saying the province's claims payout is "enormously more generous" than those in British Columbia. The average claims payment, including injury and property damage, is close to $9,000 in Ontario and less than $2,400 in B.C., according to the bureau.

Yakabuski says Ontario's auto insurers paid out $1.5 billion in health-care costs, $3 billion in vehicle repairs and $1.6 billion defending people being sued.

Cran counters payouts are higher in Ontario because a $30,000 deductible on personal injuries wiped out any small claims, and Ontario drivers are "scared out of their tree about reporting fender-benders."

He says studies show a third of Ontario's car accidents aren't reported to insurance companies.

Yakabuski also said the availability of insurance has improved dramatically. In March 2004, there were more than 226,000 vehicles insured through Facility Association -- the last resort for drivers who can't find regular coverage.

Last month, that was down to 36,868.

"Premiums can drop from $5,000 a year to $1,700."

For a copy of the Consumer's Association report, see:
http://www.consumer.ca/pdfs/cac_2005_study_ontario_july_18_2005_.pdf

Thanks to mmacleod@thespec.com 905-526-3408 with files from The Canadian Press

AVERAGE ANNUAL AUTO INSURANCE RATES BY CITY

York $3,124
North York $3,005
Etobicoke $2,966
Toronto $2,950
Scarborough $2,912
East York $2,867
Brampton $2,788
Thornhill $2,735
Mississauga $2,718
Hamilton $2,537
Windsor $2,378
London $2,246
Kitchener-Waterloo $2,157
Guelph $2,150
Barrie $2,147
Ottawa $1,971
Kingston $1,934
Edmonton $1,865
Calgary $1,753
Vancouver $1,493
Victoria $944

(see headlines)

PPG PARTNERS WITH CARS TO PROVIDE COLLISION TV

July 18, 2005

PPG Canada, Inc. has formed a partnership with the Canadian Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) Council to produce and deliver automotive collision center training across Canada. Through the CARS interactive distance-learning network, better known as Collision TV, collision centers in Canada will have access to the most creative educational materials in the industry.

This unique training opportunity, available to the entire Canadian collision industry, is a convenient and effective way for collision center employees, including refinish technicians, to increase their knowledge and enhance traditional classroom training.

For over six years, CARS has deployed similar technology to train automotive retailers and service providers in Canada. This expansion, into the collision sector of the market, opens an exciting opportunity to reach hundreds of auto body professionals across Canada. This initiative under the CARS Collision Repair Interactive Distance Learning project, which is funded by Human Resources Skills Development Canada, helps collision center workers acquire new skills and knowledge.

Through a series of interactive PPG refinish courses, technicians can increase their knowledge in areas such as surface preparation, corrosion protection, refinishing plastic parts, basecoat/clearcoat application, and color adjustment techniques.

This innovative training approach enables collision centers to minimize costs associated with traditional training events. Concerns once associated with travel related expenses and reduced productivity at work are minimized with the CARS-PPG partnership. By utilizing a combination of live instructor broadcasts with a studio hotline, technicians are engaged in a professional, interactive learning process in their local areas.

Bill Troyer, PPG North American Training Manager, says, “We are pleased to be a part of this project that addresses our industry’s training challenges. The CARS-PPG partnership is an excellent way for technicians to supplement PPG’s traditional refinish training programs. This learning architecture now enables PPG to offer a blended approach that includes traditional classroom courses as well as interactive distance-learning formats.”

For additional information on the CARS-PPG Canada partnership, contact the Canadian Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) Council at 1-888-224-3834 or the PPG Refinish Training Department at 1-800-970-2283

(see headlines)

Ontario drivers are paying up to 45 per cent more for auto insurance than their counterparts in British Columbia, according to a study by the Consumers' Association of Canada.

The average annual rate in Ontario is $2,383, compared to $1,324 in B.C., suggests the study. And those same results were found not only in Toronto, but also in cities such as Sudbury, Windsor, Guelph and London.

"Consumers in Ontario have been clearly harmed by outrageous price increases for auto insurance over the past three years,'' said association president Bruce Cran in a statement.

However, the Insurance Bureau of Canada disagrees. It says that premiums in Ontario are $1,279, and that premiums are down 15 per cent since November 2003.

"Clearly, free market, private competition is alive and well in Ontario," said Mark Yakabuski, the vice-president of IBC.

He added that the average claim paid out in Ontario is $8,878. compared to $2,391 in B.C., where the product is delivered by a government monopoly.

"Very simply, you get a lot more for your money in Ontario," said Yakabuski.

Cran disagrees. He said: "Victims of crashes have also been impacted by the Ontario government's actions of imposing a $30,000 deductible on benefits paid to them."

"Innocent victims of crashes have suffered at the hands of the insurance industry while this industry continues to put billions of dollars of profits in its pockets.''

Cran blames the high premiums on so-called independent brokers, who are choosing only to sell products from one or two insurance companies.

"An overwhelming compelling message has emerged from the Study for consumers in Ontario," said Cran. "Shop widely among many brokers and use the Internet to find the lowest auto insurance quote."

(see headlines)

19 Canadian Students Earn
Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium Scholarships
Ottawa, ON -- The Automotive Industries Association (AIA) is pleased to announce the 19 Canadian students receiving Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) scholarships.

Over 50% of the scholarship recipients are studying in fields related to the automotive sector, pursuing a variety of automotive careers. Of those pursuing automotive careers, just over half plan to work in automotive management positions and another third of recipients are studying to be Automotive Service Technicians.

“The calibre of applicants is fantastic!” says AIA President Ray Datt. “With such talented scholarship winners I am confident about the continuing success of the automotive aftermarket industry. We are delighted that so many Canadian students from across the country are benefiting from this scholarship program.”

“I have been interested in vehicles since I can remember,” says Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology student Josh Quintal. “I want to design and create ways for vehicles to be environmentally friendly. I want to do what I can to help the environment, and I love the automotive industry, so if I can be a part of both that is where I want my career to go.”

“I see myself in the service side of the automotive industry. I like cars and know a lot about the mechanics of them, as well as trying to find out what might be wrong about them. Along with this, I like dealing with people so I believe that the service department is where I want to be,” says Michael Folkins, Automotive Marketing and Business student at New Brunswick Community College.

“My goal is to someday be a successful entrepreneur in the automotive aftermarket, taking with me the skills I have learned both academically and in the field of work,” explained Martin Venneri who is studying in the Automotive Business Management program at Georgian College. “I have been financially independent since the end of high school… This scholarship would be a tremendous help in dealing with the cost of living and the rising cost of tuition fees.

Students who work in the aftermarket after completing their studies are eligible for an additional grant. The GAAS scholarship is unique in that recipients may receive two financial grants: one while they are in school -- to assist with tuition -- and an equivalent matching grant for all scholarship recipients who graduate from their program and work in the automotive aftermarket.

A total of 145 GAAS scholarships were awarded this year, including 19 Canadians. In the nine years of the scholarship, over a thousand students have received aid totalling over $1 million.

The annual investment to help develop future aftermarket industry leaders is funded through proceeds from the annual Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS). This two-day program brings together numerous industry executives, including Canadians, and examines the issues and trends affecting the aftermarket industry and influencing its future. The 2006 Symposium will be held May 17 and 18 at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn, Michigan. Visit: www.globalsymposium.org for more information.

Canadian GAAS Scholarship Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a college-level program or an accredited automotive technical program.

A complete list of Canadian winners is attached. Scholarship applications are available from the AIA Canada web site (http://www.aiacanada.com/html/careers/GAAS.htm), or by contacting AIA at 1-800-808-2920 ext 226. Additional information on the symposium and US application forms can be found on the Symposium website, www.globalsymposium.org.

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) is a national trade association representing the automotive aftermarket industry. The aftermarket is a $15.6 billion industry, and is proud to employ more than 220,000 people. AIA’s members manufacture, distribute, and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, service, tools, equipment, materials and supplies. AIA’s mandate is to promote, educate and represent members in all areas that impact the growth and prosperity of the industry. Visit us on the web at www.aiacanada.com

- 30 -

For further information contact:

Katherine Power
Manager, Public Relations
AIA Canada
Tel: 1-800-808-2920 ext 235
Fax: (613) 728-6021
Email: Katherine.Power@aiacanada.com

(see headlines)

(Jul 8, 2005)
Hamilton is an acknowledged provincial leader in Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) apprenticeship signings, and this year its provincial leadership has soared to new heights with the recent apprenticeship signings of the 100th OYAP students from both the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic and Hamilton-Wentworth District School Boards.

"I am overwhelmed with the fact that in the year 2000 we had very little interest in the skilled trades, and we did not have one signed apprentice. The growth has been outstanding!" said Leo Paone, Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board OYAP coordinator. "We only had 154 students participating in an apprenticeable trade in cooperative education in 2000-2001, and 18 were registered as apprentices. In 2004-2005, we hit the milestone with 571 cooperative education placements in an apprenticeable trade."

"With the recent signing of our 100th Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board student, it gives me hope that our youth will find rewarding careers; we have mountains to climb, but it is also encouraging to realize that the word is getting out about skilled trades," added Reece Morgan, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board OYAP coordinator. "Employers are taking a chance with high school students in apprentice areas. Students are also realizing the benefits of getting a head start and that a career in the skilled trades is just as worthy as going to university or to college ñ now we must convince many parents."

Funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, OYAP was introduced in an effort to provide students with greater career opportunities in the skilled trades and to provide employers with a new source of workers to address current and projected skills shortages.

"The process entails students enrolling in cooperative education, and any student in an apprenticeable trade is an OYAP student," said Morgan. "They then have the opportunity to get signed by a sponsor as early as Grade 11. They can accumulate hours towards their apprenticeship while they are in high school, and the employer gets a lead on a possible future employee. Thus the benefits are numerous, and this is a win-win situation because the student can accumulate hours while working towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma."

In addition to allowing students to accumulate hours while working towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma, OYAP enables students to gain valuable work skills otherwise not available to the average high school student by putting them in a professional environment.

"It's a good way to get hands-on skills and the theory aspects all at once," said Ryan Farina, apprentice automotive service technician at Upper James Toyota and 100th OYAP student to be signed from the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. "It also teaches you to be punctual and so on."

"It provides you with a great deal of experience in the workplace," added Derek Burton, apprentice automotive service technician at Tri-Us Auto Service and 100th OYAP student to be signed from the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. "There's a great deal of knowledge and skill that needs to be involved in learning a trade, and OYAP provides students with that much-needed knowledge and skill."

In turn, OYAP also provides employers with a number of benefits and an opportunity to assess and recruit future employees.

"The program works well because as an employer, despite all aspects of what we do in this industry to provide excellent service, it almost always comes down to the bottom line," said Michael Park, Farina's supervisor.

"The ability to train an individual with little or no expense is truly a benefit. It also provides the employer with an opportunity to 'test drive' a potential new employee to ensure he or she is a good fit with other members of the staff as well as an opportunity to determine their skill set."

Courtesy of The Hamilton Mountain News

(see headlines)

LONDON, ON, May 26 /CNW/ - John Zubick Limited, a metal recycling company in London, was fined $50,000 today for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that resulted in serious burns to a worker.

On February 25, 2004, a welder was using an oxygen/propane cutting torch to cut scrap metal when the worker's coveralls ignited. The welder suffered second and third-degree burns to the legs, thighs and groin area. A Ministry of Labour investigation found the welder was not protected by appropriate apparel in the circumstances. The welder had been wearing 100-per-cent cotton coveralls with 100-per-cent cotton bib pants underneath. The incident occurred outdoors on property at the company's recycling plant at 105 Clarke Road in London. The welder was a contracted worker from a temporary employment
agency.

John Zubick Limited pleaded guilty, as an employer, to failing to provide flame-resistant clothing to the welder, as required by Section 84(e) of the Regulations for Industrial Establishments. This was contrary to Section 25(1)(a) of the act.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Robert Gay of the Ontario Court of Justice in London. In addition, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.

Automotive students at Orchard Park Secondary School in Stoney Creek, ON will now get their hands on the latest in automotive technology thanks to a local student’s request to DaimlerChrysler Canada for a vehicle donation. Kyle Blanchard, a student of Orchard Park Secondary School’s automotive program and a passionate automotive enthusiast, wrote a letter to DaimlerChrysler Canada requesting the donation of a new vehicle for his school’s automotive program. The Company received the request in March and once a vehicle became available for donation, contacted the school to let them know they could receive a 2005 Chrysler Sebring. Local dealer, DeWildt Chrysler, heard about the corporate donation and offered to cover all costs of transporting the vehicle form Windsor, ON to the school. “Orchard Park is extremely grateful for the support and generosity illustrated by DaimlerChrysler Canada and DeWildt Chrysler,” say Pat Rocco, Principal of Orchard Park Secondary School in Stoney Creek, ON.

The Hamilton Spectator

Thursday, July 7, 2005

(see headlines)

March 29, 2005

The new Consumer Protection Act will become law on July 30, 2005. At the same time, any aftermarket parts must be identified in writing to the customer.

Shops will be required to provide a written estimate prior to performing the work. They may charge a fee for giving an estimate. The fee for such as estimate must be reasonable.

Under the current Motor Vehicle Repair Act, estimates are only required if the customer asked for one. Under the new law, if a written estimate is not given, the shop cannot change for the repairs.

An exception exists where a shop may charge for repairs without first providing an estimate if:
-The shop offers to give an estimate and the customer turns down the offer
-The customer specifically authorizes a maximum amount they are willing to pay and the final cost does not exceed that amount

Customers must be told in advance if there is a fee for the estimate, and if the repair is carried out, no estimate fee may be charged under normal circumstances. As with the current law, the cost of repairs may not exceed the estimate by more than 10% unless prior authority has been obtained and properly noted.

Warranty of repairs remains 3 months or 5,000 km on new or reconditioned parts. All new non-original equipment manufacturers parts installed must be noted. There is no automatic warranty on used parts.

Shops must feature signs that explain their pricing levels and policies and how they calculate labour rates. Estimate information must also be posted.

Shops can obtain wall-size copies of the sign by contacting the collision repair association at 1-866-309-4272 or info@ciia.com

Please See: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/reg.html for the regulatory changes coming July 30, 2005

(see headlines)

TORONTO - The Ontario government is launching a provincewide investigation of the truck-rental industry after a Toronto Star investigation found that half a U-Haul vehicles failed roadside safety inspections.

Starting next week, investigators from the Ministry of Transportation will spring surprise inspections on major truck rental companies, such as U-Haul, Ryder, Budget and Hertz. Investigators will perform safety checks on the firms' trucks and audit their mechanical inspection records and rental records.

"This is an issue of public safety and also about consumer protection," said Transportation Minister Harinder Takhar. "The purpose is to get some clear idea, a clear sense of what is really going on here."

The inspections will begin Monday in Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa, London, Windsor and Thunder Bay, and will recur every three months.

Inspectors will produce a report to see if rental truck safety violations are isolated to one location or one company, or widespread throughout the industry and province, Takhar said. Unsafe vehicles will be ordered off the road until repaired.

"We're very much in favour of it. We believe this is an issue that needed to be addressed," said Brian Patterson, president of the Ontario Safety League, a public safety advocacy group.

Last month, the safety league rented four U-Haul trucks and conducted safety inspections. All four vehicles failed a safety inspection by an independent mechanic. U-Haul said that three of the four trucks had "unacceptable" flaws and should not have been rented.

The Star reviewed Patterson's investigation and examined documents from the Ontario Provincial Police that revealed 109 of 220 U-Haul vehicles failed roadside spot checks between 2002 and 2004.

Claude Boucher, vice president of U-Haul's Ontario division, said yesterday in an e-mail he welcomed the provincial initiative.

Toronto Star
(see headlines)

A company that operates an auto body shop in St. Catharines where trucks and buses involved in collisions are repaired and painted, was fined $50,000 today for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that resulted in a serious arm injury to an employee.

On October 28, 2003, a worker was using a hammer to tap the arms of a truck's cabstand into a vertical position when the cabstand's arms collapsed in an unintended opposite direction causing the cab to slide off the stand onto the worker's arm. The worker was lying beside the cabstand when the incident occurred and suffered a broken arm. The worker had noticed the cabstand's arms were in a slightly forward position after using a front-end
loader equipped with a fork attachment to push forward the cabstand away from a rollup door area. Pushing the cabstand while the cab was still on it was one of the factors that contributed to the incident and did not comply with the Regulations for Industrial Establishments.

The incident occurred at the company's auto body shop in St. Catharines. The company pleaded guilty, as an employer, to failing to ensure material, articles or things were transported, placed or stored so they would not tip, collapse or fall, as required by Section 45(b) of the Regulations for Industrial Establishments. This was contrary to Section
25(1)(c) of the act.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Lina Mills of the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines. In addition, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act.

The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.

Shops that need assistance with health and safety issues can request free audits from www.ciia.com in co-operation with the Ontario Service Safety Alliance (OSSA)at 1-866-309-4272 and members can receive free health and safety packages that contain:

A profile on how to set up a joint health and safety committee
An Isocyanate warning bulletin
How to easily set up a health and safety policy statement
How to conduct a health and safety inspection tour of a collision repair shop.
Guide for a paint shop Isocyanate control program
WHMIS Training and Information Checklist
Written emergency plan
Action planner

(see headlines)

In Ontario, 59 per cent of individuals with auto insurance are unsure how insurers are calculating their rates and may therefore be unintentionally paying higher premiums, according to a recent President's Choice Financial®/Ispos Reid Survey.

In addition, 64 per cent with auto insurance exhibit interest in researching alternative insurers based on price and product comparison. However, the survey found that this response decreases with age with only 53 per cent of respondents aged 55 and older likely to shop around as compared to 77 per cent of those aged18 to 34. Women are seven per cent more likely than men to investigate alternative insurance providers.

"Added benefits like 24/7 hassle-free claims service, a disappearing deductible, or discounts for applying online all add to better consumer value," Geoffrey Wilson, senior vice president, investor relations and public affairs of Loblaw Companies Ltd., says.

A disappearing deductible is a unique feature that rewards drivers with a reduction on their deductible for a pre-determined claim-free period, therefore after a set amount of time with a clean driving record the deductible will disappear completely.

According to the survey, 90 per cent of insureds view a disappearing deductible as a "real benefit" and 82 per cent say it may help them determine which provider to sign with.

The findings reflect results of an Ipsos-Reid poll conducted from March 22 to March 24 and March 29 to March 31, 2005. The survey was conducted based on a random sample of 840 adult Ontario residents who had auto insurance at the time of the interview. Data was weighted to ensure a regional and age/sex composition representative of the Canadian population according to the 2001 Census. (courtesy BODYSHOP magazine and www.bodyshopbiz.com)

(see headlines)

Peel Regional Police participation in Canada's Road Safety Week traffic campaign resulted in the issuance of 2,100 provincial offence notices (traffic tickets), 109 license suspensions, and 19 criminal charges of impaired driving related offences. The national campaign, which ended on May 23, focused on traffic safety and the elimination of aggressive driving behaviors by motorists. Enforcement activity specifically emphasized
impaired driving, intersection safety, speeding and aggressive driving actions

(see headlines)

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS USE VIDEO, THEATRE ARTS TECHNIQUES TO HAMMER HOME LUCRATIVE MESSAGE ABOUT WORKING WITH YOUR HANDS

They call themselves "The trade Troopers."

They're six high school co-op students with a compelling message about skilled trades.

The message: skilled trades offer rewarding, well-paying career opportunities.

A message they've delivered to more than 4,000 Grade 7 and 8 students in public schools across Hamilton the past few months. They've done it in a dynamic, innovative way that entertains and changes attitudes at the same time.

The message is important because of the need to replace those retiring from the skilled trades. According to an Ontario Chamber of Commerce study last year, 41 per cent of respondents expect to face a skills shortage in their industry within five years.

"We need to get the word out," said Reece Morgan, project co-ordinator for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. "There are good careers for both males and females."

The Trade Troopers are the core of a joint project developed by Theatre Ancaster and the school board, students worked with retired educators Al Croxall and Gord Conroy, directors of Theatre Ancaster.

Croxall and Conroy arranged visits to various companies so high school students could learn first-hand about skilled trades from landscaping to manufacturing. The two men also taught the teens how to create videos and present them to the middle school students.

The co-op students video-taped interviews with men and women in various occupations. They edited the video into short segments and added catchy music, telling students about the interesting things they found out, including the fact some trainees get their college education paid by employers.

Jodi Kane, 16, a Grade 11 student at Westmount Secondary School, knew little about skilled trades herself when the project began. She learned people in those fields make good money.

"They all love their jobs," said Abel Erazo, a Trade Trooper from Hill Park. "They're all happy working with their hands and they're all proud".

Dusty Taylor, a Grade 12 student at Sir John A. MacDonald, had no idea jobs paid so well. She was relieved to find that medicine and law are not the only ones with a good income.

Yesterday the Trade Troopers gave their final presentations this semester at the Burkholder site of Ray Lewis School, on the east Mountain. Naomi Downer and Nick Kuiper, both in Grad 7, enjoyed it.

The way the Trade Troopers presented the different careers was "cool," Naomi said. She was also impressed by opportunities available to co-op students, including helping build a house.

Rich Neufeld, the board's experiential learning consultant, said feedback shows "students teaching students" works.

Morgan said the Grade 7 and 8s relate well to the secondary presenters and get an idea of the possibilities high school offers.

Eight co-op students in the house-building programs this semester have been accepted as apprentices.

By Christine Cox, The Hamilton Spectator
ccox@thespec.com 905-525-3323

(see headlines)

On June 16, 2005, the newly formed company Assured Automotive - representing the recent merger between Imperial Collision Centres and Oaktown Collision Centres - held a charity boat cruise to raise money for Erinoak - a charitable organization that aids children with physical disabilities.

The charity cruise, held at the Toronto harbor, garnered support from more than 400 industry guests who helped raise money through the purchase of Mardi Gras themed beads. The evening reached its climax when director, insurance relations and business development Des Browne announced that Assured Automotive had raised $5,000 for the Erinoak foundation.

(see headlines)

Josh Cristan is following in his millwright dad's and is among a growing wave of young people latching on to apprenticeships in the city.

That's raising hopes that Hamilton will avert a major shortage crisis in the skilled trades as baby boomers head into retirement.

Hamilton signed a record 1,192 new apprentices between April 2004 and March 2005. Over the past year, the city has seen an almost 50 per cent increase in the number of active registered apprentices, according to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

There are now more than 5,000 apprentices learning in the city. Almost one third work in the construction sector, close to a quarter in both motive power and industry, and remainder in the sector.

Cristan, 20, began his apprenticeship at Dofasco a month ago. He's got 8,000 a month ago. He's got 8,000 hours and several years ahead before he becomes a certified millwright.

"I'm having fun, getting paid and learning my job," said the Mohawk grad, whose father works at the steelmaker.

"It's intense and you try to learn everything you can and impress them with your skills."

Millwright apprentices at Dofasco make about $21.00 an hour, says Steven Epp, who also started his apprenticeship a month ago. He says once he signed on, his last semester's tuition and traveling expenses were paid by the province.

"The government is really pushing the trades and that's been great for me."

Dofasco decided almost a decade ago it would create a strategy to head off shortages, says Mike Goodman, apprentice program co-ordinator at the company.

At any one time, there are about 140 apprentices working there. The vast majority come from Dofasco's co-op programs.

"It's absolutely critical to our staffing. The demographics don't lie," said Goodman. "We made a conscious decision to address it so we wouldn't find ourselves short. We're reaping the benefits now. The employers without that opportunity of foresight may have more difficulties."

Apprentices make up between 10 and 20 per cent of workers at heavy equipment dealer Toromont CAT.

"We're hiring every good young person we find," said Norm Byrne, co-chair of the Skilled Trades Alliance in Hamilton and parts and service marketing manager at the company.

"If you're good, you're hired. It's that simple."

He said progressive companies are investing in training young people. Others are simply stealing employees by offering higher wages, he said.

Byrne says the alliance spends a lot time convincing teachers, guidance counselors, parents and students there are great jobs in skilled trades.

"People in this plant make $75,000.00. That's pretty good for a year or two in college and a few years as an apprentice."

There are 146 recognized apprenticeship trades in Ontario. Some must be registered by the province, such as hairstyling and automotive mechanic. Others, like locksmithing, do not require registration.

Devvie Spence, manager of the Skilled Trades Alliance, says many more employers are needed to sign on to apprenticeship programs. The message is out to students. Hamilton's registration in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program has quadrupled since 2000 and now leads the province.

But many small and medium-sized companies - vast majority of Hamilton's economy - fear they'll invest time, energy and resources in training apprentices, only to have them leave for bigger companies and bigger paycheques, says Spence.

The province has tried to tackle that barrier with a tax rebate of up to $5,000.00 per apprentice per year to offset the costs of training. The alliance has also developed a series of information packages to help employers recruit and retain their apprentices. The target is aimed at new employers and those who have never taken on apprentices.

"We try to stress to employers that they get a 'try before you buy' approach to hiring and they can train their apprentices the way they want to."

The alliance - a partnership between industry and educators - was formed about two years ago.

Vince Randazzo, co-owner of Pure NV Salon and Spa, has been taking on apprentices for 16 years. He says they come ready to learn and are passionate about the business.

"When they're fresh in the field, we can train them our way. That's a big advantage to us because every salon has a different waly of cutting hair."

Cheryl Jensen, executive dean of Mohawk's faculty of engineering technology, says there is growing demand for co-op apprenticeship programs. Students get academic and hands-on experience towards apprenticeships in mechanical and electrical disciplines, construction and motive power.

"Employers are telling us we're not graduating enough students."

She said the strength of local apprenticeship training means Hamilton will be well-equipped to avoid a crisis in skilled trades.

"Investing in staff is the only way to combat a skills shortage," said Anthony Kajah, owner of Airport Ford Lincoln.

The dealership has two or three apprentices in its service shop at any time.

" Good employees are hard to find. We're giving good people the skills to do their job better and hopefully they are more efficient, work better and are happier."

By Meredith MacLeod, The Hamilton Spectator June 2005 mmacleod@thespec.com
905-526-3408

Hamilton's Top 10 trades in 2004-05 by first-year apprentice signings

1. Hairstylist (180)
2. Automotive service technician (145)
3. Electrician - construction/maintenance (113)
4. Industrial mechanic/millwright (68)
5. Construction craft worker (62)
6. Plumber (60)
7. General carpenter (56)
8. Truck and coach technician (53)
9. Early childhood educator (41)
10. General machinist (38)

*AVERAGE SALARIES, for skilled trades journeypersons, not including overtime
Bricklayer: $33,000 - $51,000
General Carpenter: $40,000 - $60,000
Plumber: $48,000 - $51,000
Industrial Electrician: $50,000 - $60,000
Industrial Mechanic/Millwright: $50,000 - $60,000
Hairstylist: $25,000 - $60,000 (plus tips)
Automotive Service Technician: $40,000 - $70,000

The Hamilton Spectator

(see headlines)

You're going to bulk up and add some much-needed muscle this summer. And you likely don't even know about it. That's because you likely never knew the power you already had.

A national chain of automobile repair shops has been running television commercials that feature an astonished customer who is told he will receive a written estimate of the cost of the repairs to be done to his vehicle. This is portrayed as some kind of wondrous benefit of visiting this particular shop.

Well, in case you've been visiting another planet, this has been law in Ontario for 15 years. If you ask for a written price quote on the cost of your repairs, the garage must provide it. It will state your particulars, the work to be done and the cost. It cannot exceed that amount by more than 10 per cent.

Now, some folks insist on being ignorant. They don't bother asking for a written estimate, get stuck with a massive repair bill that shocks the heck out of them, and then complain.

Beginning July 30, even those folks will be protected.

That's because Ontario's updated Consumer Protection Act will require all garages to supply a written estimate, whether the consumer asks for it or not.

The new, long-awaited CPA isn't just about automobiles. It incorporates six existing laws: the Business Practices Act, Consumer Protection Act, Loan Brokers Act, Motor Vehicle Repair Act, Prepaid Services Act and the Consumer Protection Bureau Act.

There's way too much to highlight here. But you can check out the Ministry of Consumer and Business Services website at: www.cbs.gov.on.ca or read the legislation itself by viewing: www.e-laws.gov.on.ca.

Under the new law, a garage may charge fee for preparing a written estimate. But the fee must be disclosed and, if the consumer proceeds with the repairs, the cost must be deducted from the final bill. If a garage fails to provide a written estimate, it cannot charge for the work.

The estimate must include:
¢ The name and address of both the customer and repairer.
¢ The make, model, vehicle identification number and license number of the vehicle.
¢ A description of the repairs to be made.
¢ The parts to be installed, and whether they will be new, used or reconditioned.

¢ Prices of the parts.
¢ Total labour costs.
¢ The date the estimate is given and the date it expires.

Under some conditions, a customer and garage can agree on a pre-established price for the repairs.

Vehicle leases will also be covered by the CPA. Previously, firms leasing vehicles could circumvent regulations that protected consumers buying vehicles. Firms leasing used vehicles, in particular, often had a substantial advantage over naïve consumer. Beginning July 30, all lease agreements must disclose finance costs.

You should make yourself aware of these changes. If you don't, you'll be just as vulnerable as you ever were. It's your call. The ministry's general information number is 1-800-268-1142.

Al MacRury,
The Hamilton Spectator

Vancouver - Spinner wheels and hubcaps are facing bans in various states south of the border.

Legislators say spinners can be disconcerting to other drivers and possibly play a role in causing accidents.

A bill pending in New York State seeks to prohibit use or sale of spinners, which simulate movement even when a vehicle is stopped.

And the proposed punishment is draconian: Fines for owners would be up to $750.00 US for spinners and $150.00 for spinner hubcaps.

A proposed Iowa bill would ban spinners and fine motorists $10.00 if their vehicle is equipped with flashy accessories. However, in Virginia, a similar bill died and to date there doesn't appear to be great desire to take on the spinners here.

Thank goodness.

The add-ons are grabbing a significant portion of the market for specialty wheels and tires, which net suppliers almost $4 billion North American wide.

The spinning wheels can cost a few thousand dollars, whereas the hubcaps tend to be a little more than $100.00 each.

It seems this is just another example of bureaucrats and politicians with too much time on their hands.

The auto after-market accessory industry says there's no evidence spinners pose any safety problems and the ban proponents have come up with nothing to back their side of the argument.

Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't care if I didn't see another spinner, but that's just my taste or, as owners of such accessories might suggest, my lack of taste.

Periodically it seems those in power get obsessed with flashy, customized cars. Agreed, some are mobile eyesores, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and , surely, you can't legislate against bad taste.

There is a disturbing tendency today to call for a ban on anything that somebody "intuitively thinks" may contribute to motoring mayhem before any proper crash-based analysis is done. There are enough real dangers out there that government is slow to move on without inventing dangers.

By Keith Morgan

CanWest News Service -The Hamilton Spectator Thursday, June 30, 2005

(see headlines)

In an effort to keep in line with changes in the collision industry, I-CAR has updated Hazardous Materials, Personnel Safety, and Refinish Safety (WKR01) to help ensure that current OSHA (U.S.) and WHMIS (Canada) safety regulations and standards are adequately addressed, as well as to explain why government regulating organizations set these rules. *

This important update also expands the live presentation to include the personal and collision repair facility safety information in Module 5, which existed previously on the student CD-ROM but was not covered in a typical I-CAR class by the instructor. The previous version of the training program stopped after Module 4. The material in Module 5 includes such subjects as:

tool safety
safety with glass
safety with welding
lift safety
safety with batteries
safety with fuel
spraybooth maintenance
recycling refinishing materials
mixing room safety
written emergency plans
employer and employee responsibilities
In addition to the updated information listed above, other updates to the program include:

Links devoted to U.S. and Canadian screens, allowing the instructor to select country-specific information, depending on the class makeup. General information is provided on the main screen and, where applicable, the country-specific link screens allow more time for teaching information that is directly associated to the students' country of origin.
Updated respirator maintenance and replacement information.
Updated information on hearing protection, such as decibel levels that are generated from different situations and machines.
Any student who successfully completes Hazardous Materials, Personnel
Safety, and Refinish Safety for the first time will receive one (1) Gold Class point, which can be applied to both the Gold Class Professionals and Platinum Individual recognition programs.

Students who attended the previous Enhanced Delivery version of Hazardous Materials, Personnel Safety, and Refinish Safety (also formerly entitled "Worker Protection") may attend the newly revised version at no charge, but will not receive additional Gold Class points; the previously earned Gold Class point is still valid. These students must bring a photo I.D. and an I-CAR training transcript showing WKR01 in order to attend the class at no charge.

(see headlines)

June 9, 2005

The Toronto Police Service, 13 Division, announced that they arrested two men involved in the auto repair industry and charged them with various fraud related offenses based on a complaint by the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

It is alleged that they inflated repair estimates and they inflicted damage to cars that came in for repair.

Both men are employed at a collision centre on Geary Avenue.

John Keen, 44, is charged with Fraud Under $5,000, three counts of Fraud Over $5,000 and three counts of Attempt Fraud Over $5,000

Timothy McBride 29, is charged with three counts of Fraud Over $5000 and three counts of Attempt Fraud Over $5,000

Both men are scheduled to appear in court at 1000 Finch Avenue West at 2 pm, Friday July 22, 2005

Anyone with information is asked to call 13 Division at (416) 808 1300 or Crime Stoppers at (416) 222 TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com

(see headlines)

HARA pricing recommendations June 2005 sent to auto insurers in Ontario

June 7, 2005

Dear Insurance Company Claims Manager:

Since 2002, electricity prices have skyrocketed by 32%. Auto insurance premiums, although slowing going down now, rose some 30% in 2002 and 2003. Shops complain that commercial garage insurance premiums have risen almost 40%.

Collision repair facilities in our coverage area have experienced significant increased expense in their product purchases and operating expenses.

With the continued increase in natural gas and heating costs, and a further increase in coatings costs from Canadian suppliers just announced, shops are continually being burdened by increased costs of operating.

HARA has surveyed shop pricing and cost levels in Western Canada and in particular the increased costs and re-imbursement being paid in British Columbia and Manitoba and have examined their pricing formula to ensure a balanced and fair approach to any recommended pricing in Ontario.

Shops are not required to follow any price guidelines that we may recommend and no shop will suffer in their business relationship with our association should they decide not to follow our pricing recommendations.

For facilities that meet the standard accreditation levels as identified in the CISCO, CCIF or Toronto By-Law standards, we are recommending the following pricing;

Body, collision, refinishing hourly rate $55.00

Paint and prep materials hourly rate $35.00

Shop materials rate (as itemized)

Hazardous waste disposal fee $10.00 per vehicle

Administration/communications fee $55.00 per vehicle

Mandatory branding fee (if required) $55.00 per vehicle

Damage appraisal fee $55.00 per vehicle (refunded on work done)

Vehicle storage
-$30 per day (outside)
-$50 per day (inside as required or security)

Detailing vehicle $25.00

Oxygen/acetylene/welding fee $3.95

Your understanding of our increased costs is appreciated. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Yours truly,

John Norris

Executive Director

(see headlines)

June 2005

www.ciia.com is now offering the popular basic estimating course in the Eastern Toronto area. The course helps shop or office employees who need assistance in estimating collision damages 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 times and collision damage analysis.

Staring on June 29 and being offered for two nights a week over three weeks, the course is seeing held in response to shop inquiries. Location is in the East Toronto or Scarborough area.

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 pm. 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 office at 1-866-309-4272. Students can also register by e-mailing info@ciia.com or registering online at www.ciia.com/estimating.html

Further classes are also scheduled for the Welland, Ontario area and Edmonton, Alberta.

(see headlines)

June 2005

www.ciia.com through the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA) is now offering the popular basic estimating course in Niagara. The course helps shop or office employees who need assistance in estimating collision damages 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 times and collision damage analysis.

Starting on June 29 and being offered for two nights a week over three weeks, the course is seeing held in response to shop inquiries. Location is the Boardroom at David Chevrolet Oldsmobile in Welland, Ontario

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 pm. 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 office at 1-866-309-4272. Students can also register by e-mailing info@ciia.com or registering online at www.ciia.com/estimating.html

Further classes are also scheduled for the Scarborough area and Edmonton, Alberta.

(see headlines)

By John Norris, Executive Director, HARA

The Collision Industry Information and Assistance (www.ciia.com) web site, operated by the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association, handles over 10,000 hits a day. The phone lines often field 30 calls a day and at least 60 emails. Over 400 shops call regularly for environmental help with training, certification assistance, wage incentive information, hiring questions and inquiries from insurance contact lists to manuals on how to market to brokers all the way to requests for guest speakers at their local schools to getting a fax number to send copies of abusive towing invoices.

This is how a professional collision repair trade association works.

Individual association mandates may be different but their passion and vision should be clear and consistent: Help shops, serve the interests of repairers, represent them and provide opportunities to move member interests forward.

Let's face it -- it's a tough marketplace our there and many shops are struggling to stay profitable. They need more help right now and should recognize that although their voice may not be strong individually, their association's voice can be loud, active and successful.

Why then are there so few shop members in their trade associations? One reason is lack of communications. And it goes both ways. Some repairers only hear from their trade association when once a year an invoice shows up on the fax machine. Good professional associations communicate by holding regular neighborhood style meetings or surveys to gain better incite into shop needs -- yet often shops don't show up at meetings or respond to the very associations trying to help them.

Perhaps, shops haven't yet realized the practical benefits of membership in an active association. Can shop concerns be addressed? What's in it for a shop to be a member?

GAUGE YOUR REPRESENTATION

You should always ask yourself the two basic association membership questions:

What can you do for me now and what can you do for the industry in the future?

Most professional associations can provide you their answers quickly and the better associations have so many answers that it often has grown to a list of advantages for the shop.

For instance right now, do they provide services such as benefit programs, garage insurance, uniform and product discounts, office and stationary products discounts, forms, brochures, posters, manuals, training courses, available tax credits or grants that you can use right now to cut your immediate costs and put more money in your till?

What about down the road? Can they prove to you that they are handling the meetings and writing the letters and building the necessary support with media, insurers, suppliers or government? Does the association have the respect and trust it requires to solve your issues? For instance, can they show you or post on their web site or newsletters the meeting presentations or script or news releases showing their successes in addressing your concerns.

TOUGH SCHEDULE

Many professional associations struggle with the daily frustration that they are taking time away from working on needed industry projects that can help shops and instead, are out trying to raise funds to continue on with their good work- from the very shops they are trying to help. If shops better supported their professional trade associations with their membership dues, because of their recognized value for the industry, associations could solve your industry issues quicker.

If your professional trade association is working that hard for you, you should be working hard for them. Their membership dues are fair and you should not only pay their invoice when it arrives, but be calling them to ask to become a more active member. Volunteer to be school speaker, a letter writer or employer/mentor for young students interested in working in our trade on the association's behalf. Only through your help in adding to the
common strength can your professional association make your voice, join with other voices, and become stronger, more effective and listened to where it counts.

John Norris is Executive Director of HARA, the largest local collision repair and auto refinish industry trade association in North America, operating from Hamilton, Ontario. The association also co-chairs the Environmental Compliance Assistance program with government to reduce costs, improve compliance and provide easier help tools for shops at
www.autobodyhelp.ca and 1-866-309-4272.

HARA's mandate and industry objectives and their successes in meeting those objectives are featured at: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/hara.html

(courtesy of BODYSHOP magazine)

(see headlines)

CISCO PROVIDES UPDATE FOR ONTARIO SHOPS

May 31, 2005

An update to the Ontario collision repair industry from the Collision Industry Standards Council of Ontario (CISCO) representing collision repair facilities in this province.

In 1999, representative of all local collision repair trade associations in Ontario, formally incorporated the non-profit Collision Industry Standards Council of Ontario (CISCO), to represent the auto body, collision repair and auto refinish industry. CISCO had one goal - the establishment of legislated self-managed shop accreditation program. The vision of an industry-managed provincial-wide voice of professional, competent and caring collision repairers operating on a level-playing field of fairness was the motivator.

The goal was the passage of legislation at Queen's Park to put into form a Bill that would ensure self-management and a series of mandatory shop standards for equipment, legal compliance and customer service that were fair and reasonable, protected the public and encouraged good and honest operations in the industry.

Twenty-five stakeholder meetings were conducted, insurer and government organizations consulted and in December 2002, the legislature approved a private members' Bill introduced by Conservative MPP'S Frank Klees and Rob Sampson - Bill 186, the Collision Repair Standards Act (2002). Although celebrated by industry, the Act has never been proclaimed and efforts by CISCO to encourage government enthusiasm to put the Bill into force continue to be met with reluctance.

Segments of the Collision Repair Standards Act have been implemented in other legislation - provincial controls on "bandit" towing are in front of Cabinet, disclosure of aftermarket parts and full identification of repair costs to consumers takes effect July 30, CISCO standards have been accepted by other national organizations and insurance companies and municipal By-Laws have adopted CISCO's standards as their own. Despite these successes, we still have not achieved the industry dreams of a self-managed provincially mandated program.

We want to move forward with identifying to government the advantages of the implementation of Bill 186, and need your help. Consultants, lobbyists, meetings and efforts to attract other levels of support are expensive, and we are asking for your contribution to CISCO, to allow us to help our industry. We have to gain control and direction over our industry. We have invested our lives and our children's future into our shops, only to watch the backyard, illegitimate shops take our business away. How can we compete with shops that do not pay taxes, and perform improper repairs? Others have controlled and made decisions that have not always been in our best interests and we have to stand together as an industry so that we can control the direction of our businesses. In 1999 you chose twelve individuals through your local associations, listed below, who have unselfishly spent many hours over the last six years away from their businesses to help all of us. Unfortunately, it takes money to take action, and while most of us have everything invested our businesses, considering the size of our current investments, a donation to CISCO is the best investment we can ever make for the future.

Please help us with your contribution of $100.00, $150.00 or $200.00 or more. Cheques made payable to CISCO can be forwarded to 34 Plaza Drive, P.O. Box 63051 Dundas, Ontario L9H 6Y3.

Information on CISCO can be found at www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/cisco.html.

Thank you,
On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Tony Canade, Wes Killins, Randy Sundell, Bill Davis, John Norris, Don Teevens
Brian Good, John Reiner, Mike Wilson, Walter Grego, Doug Rothwell

Alex Szabo
CISCO President
905-627-5458

(see headlines)

New posters and packages assist repair facilities

By urging shops to access the latest help from the industry trade association, shop owner, Tony Nigro, says " this is free information that every shop should take advantage of and use".

Tony is talking about the free:

"What you Should Know"- a poster that must be clearly displayed in all shops on the rights of workers under the Ontario Employment Standards Act Click here for poster

Grants, Incentives and Tax credits- a new package of information for shops so that owners can take advantage of incentives to hire and train more apprentices and young workers

Technician certification equivalency - a complete how-to package that can help your long-term but uncertified, technicians apply to take their collision repair mandatory trade exam- includes new pre-license training dates and what industry competencies are covered on the final exam

Environment compliance simplified kit- the well-known shop package (also found online at www.autobodyhelp.ca ) to assist shops to successfully possess a mandatory Certificate of Approval for their spray operations. Don't wait until your shop receives a Provincial Offenses Order- get the kit today!

Mandatory environmental training and WHMIS training- Call today to receive the information and registration info !

"Autobody Profitability Workbook"- this package will help shops meet compliance levels and find more customers-members only

"How to Market Your Shop to Brokers and Insurers"- a guide to building insurance industry business- members only

All these packages and more are available to shops by calling www.ciia.com at
1-866-309-4272 or info@ciia.com

HARA helps

For a printable Motorist rights poster please click here

(see headlines)

How did HARA help its members and the industry in 2004?

1) New regulations to control deceptive, unfair practices particularly in towing

2) Aided in six charges being laid against local “chasers”

3) New financial monthly newsletter from SB Partners free to members

4) Instituted regional member newsletters to provide more member assistance

5) Made two $75 manuals available free to members

6) New financing of repairs package free to members

7) Updated supplier discount program for members from NEBS

8) New rules on rebuilt airbags and painting air bag covers

9) Expanded CofA and audit assistance made available to shops

10) New rules on additional pricing for salvage vehicle inspections

11) Introduced brand appeal process for total loss vehicles

12) Web site enhancements on www.ciia.com with 2.8 million hits in 12 months

13) Offering free employment online ads for shops and members

14) Sponsored six Basic Estimating classes with discount pricing for members

15) Set up donations program to link schools with suppliers

16) Provide government with new definitions of service provider

17) Working with Halton police on new towing by-law

18) Started new www.autobodyhelp.ca online free assistance

19) Started local area meetings to assist shops

20) Start of apprentice renewal initiative

21) Working on new isocyanate control review program to better protect shops

22) New sprayc.a.r.e accreditation program proposed

23) Draft price list supplied to shops for review

24) 35th annual golf tournament with donation to local charity

25) Special insurers’ panel at October 7 special event

26) Successful introduction of online environmental training

27) Updated WHMIS training offered

28) Ongoing meetings with cabinet ministers on CISCO and Bill 186

29) Presentations to relevant groups – IBC, PAVE, OABR, CISCO, CAMPE

30) New court ordered tow storage rates set for Toronto

31) Requested to Mitchell for re-keying shop help

32) New equivalency package for trades certification updated

33) Request of ADP for rebate of funds due to October disc error

34) New 25% tax credit for hiring apprentices

35) All members receive free online news events information

36) New MOYAP style auto body course being discussed for secondary school

37) New improved benefit program announced

38) Four day meeting with MTO to update salvage brand and inspection program

39) New help package for salvage inspection for shops

40) Over 1000 students completing new training course

41) Simplified self-survey for environmental profitability now available

(see headlines)