I attended the ELV (End of Life for Vehicles) forum jointly sponsored by Summerhill Impact Group and the Automotive Recyclers of Canada in Toronto recently. There we discussed the future of vehicle recycling in Canada through licensing and mandatory inspections. This forum was attended by various national and provincial government reps, industry leaders, as well as members of the Boards of ARC and other provincial associations. There was a strong consensus that licensing and Canadian Auto Recyclers Environmental Code (CAREC, previously known as the National Code of Practice) inspections will become mandatory for all recyclers in Canada in future. The primary focus of the discussions was upon which responsibilities each party would assume. 

 

It was clear during the sessions that our colleagues from other provincial associations, as well as representatives from other provinces and from other parts of the world, held high regard for the situation we have in Alberta. Positive comments were made about the close working relationship that has developed between AARDA and the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC), and in particular the licensing process that has been put into place here. In Alberta, AMVIC has been successfully designated and funded to serve as an intermediate body with the laws and legislation needed to enforce recycling licenses. In Alberta, we’ve already put this into place and it’s something that representatives from other provinces have said they will be working to accomplish in the years ahead.

 

Another accomplishment for AARDA during 2011 was the very successful Annual General Meeting that we held in April in Banff and synchronized with ARC’s AGM, held the next day. I was proud to see so many recyclers attend and share their ideas while promoting positive working relationships with fellow members. I should add that I really am looking forward to our 2012 AGM coming up on April 27-28 in Edmonton at the Chateau Louis Hotel and Conference Center. We are having an exciting line up of speakers on subjects that will benefit not only owners but our employees as well. This year’s conference theme is recognizing and “giving back” to your employees. Their contributions have helped to define the success of your business and they deserve support in their development and to be acknowledged in this way.

 

Our ELV programs have been highly successful in 2011. Thousands of cars have been responsibly recycled via the Ford and GM programs, through AARDA member yards. We are operating at a standard the manufacturers have recognized.  As a bonus, the efforts of our member recyclers in these programs have made thousands of dollars available for future donation to charities. Exciting plans for these donations will be presented at our next AGM, so you will want to be there!

 

I look forward to working together with everyone in 2012 to positively impact and work with you in moving our industry forward.