Canadian Collision Industry Forum: New Plan for Industry Action Has Deep Roots

摘要

Announcements have been made in recent months about the transition of the Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) administration and how it will enable new action on behalf of the industry. Mike Bryan explained CCIF's history and the context of transferring to the Automotive Industries Association (AIA). In the mid-1990s, Bryan, Larry Jefferies, Michael Joel, Roly Taube, and others represented their companies on AIA's paint, body, and equipment council (PBE), which comprised representatives of suppliers and distributors to the collision repair sector. The PBE believed there would be value in connecting the industry across Canada's stakeholder groups and vast geography. After two national multi-stakeholder meetings in 1998, it was decided to establish CCIF as a forum for the collision repair industry to share information, best practices, and a means to develop solutions to common national issues and challenges. When the PBE was planning the 1998 stakeholder meetings, they were conscious of the lack of documentation on the industry in Canada, particularly the area of employment statistics, so the council asked AIA for help in organizing a study focusing on human resource issues. AlA's status as a national trade association gave it access to Human Resource and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) through the CARS Council. This made it possible to negotiate a funding formula with HRSDC for the $500,000 study cost. The result was the "Prep for the Future" report, a document that is still referenced today as a benchmark for the industry's labour demographics. Following the establishment of CCIF in 1999, AlA's PBE took on a CCIF support role. It was willing to use its influence with the AIA and its own member resources to act on issues emanating from CCIF. Several years later, when I-CAR Canada was in need of support, AIA showed its commitment to the collision repair industry again by agreeing to take on the l-CAR franchise for Canada. "Having made good progress in restoring l-CAR training across the country, AIA is now ready to take on CCIF," said Bryan. AIA had been instrumental in the creation of CCIF, has maintained a close and vested interest in the collision repair industry, and is a natural fit to take over the administration role at the end of this year.