TREND IN THE TRADES
General enrolment is increasing in the States—so what’s the story in Canada? By ALLISON ROGERS On April 1st—like a laughable April Fools’ joke to some members of the general public—an article called “How Gen Z Is Becoming the Toolbelt Generation” was published to the Wall Street Journal. The author, Te-Ping Chen, writes that “rising pay […]
REGIONAL NEWS | ATLANTIC
INSPECTING INSPECTIONS The Nova Scotia government recently reviewed the requirements for motor vehicle inspections (MVI) but has opted to maintain current standards. A spokesperson for the Public Works Department originally told CBC News in a statement that the provincial government started looking at MVI fees at the beginning of this year. Currently, in Nova Scotia, […]
QUEBEC | REGIONAL NEWS
POTHOLE PERILS Transport Quebec has identified a pothole on Highway 40 as the likely cause of vehicle damages reported by a couple in April, including damage to a West Island couple’s windshield, which they described as being shattered by debris resembling a “meteor.” Transport Quebec received reports of vehicle damage on Highway 40 East near […]
ONTARIO | REGIONAL NEWS
ONTARIO OPT-OUTS New auto insurance rules outlined in the 2024 budget report delivered by Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy list that while medical, rehabilitation and attendant car benefits will continue to be mandatory for drivers, all other parts of auto insurance will be optional. The budget stipulates that auto insurance companies would be responsible first for […]
REGIONAL NEWS | MANITOBA
INTRODUCING INCENTIVES Manitoba’s newly elected New Democratic Party (NDP) government has now tabled its first budget, which includes electric vehicle (EV) incentives of up to $4,000. This incentive program represents the first time that the province has offered EV rebates. The program will specifically offer a $4,000 rebate for new EV and plug-in electric hybrid […]
SASKATCHEWAN | REGIONAL NEWS
CLIMBING CAPACITY The Government of Saskatchewan has announced it is investing an additional one million to increase the capacity of skilled trades in the province. With this additional funding, the total investment into the province’s Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) program has reached $22.4 million in the 2023 to 2024 period. The SATCC […]
REGIONAL NEWS | ALBERTA
BLAME GAME Fair Alberta Insurance Regulations (FAIR Alberta) recently surveyed Albertan drivers and revealed that the majority of drivers support the province’s current at-fault insurance system. Specifically, the survey, which was conducted between January 8 and 15, and consulted approximately 900 drivers aged 18 and older, found that 63 percent of respondents prefer the current […]
REGIONAL NEWS | BRITISH COLUMBIA
ECO-CHAMPION EMPLOYEES A new British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) survey of the province’s 18 to 34 year olds has revealed that most Gen Z and young Millennials want to work for socially and environmentally responsible companies. The survey also showed that in some cases, Gen Z and young Millennials will even take a pay cut […]
CONSIDERING COMPENSATIONS
Are bodyshops being fairly compensated for paint and body supplies? Column by TOM BISSONNETTE In the intricate dance between insurance providers and bodyshops, a delicate balance is supposed to be maintained. Yet, beneath the surface, a stark reality often emerges—that of bodyshops feeling short changed when it comes to compensation for the materials they utilize […]
CREATING A COLLABORATIVE CONVERSATION
ATA of Manitoba’s Denis Cloutier, Norm Bruneau and Renee Sicotte with Renee Cable, Minister of Advanced Education and Training for Manitoba, and Jamie Moses, Minister of Economic Development, Investment and Trade and Minister of Natural Resources for Manitoba. How engaging in government policy is essential for collision repair success Column by NORM BRUNEAU As a […]
