ACROSS CANADA REPORT: A TAXING SITUATION CONTINUES

While the outcome of the current tool tax efforts will probably not be known until this fall, AIA and the CARS Council are pursuing joint meetings with the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance to provide more input on behalf of Canadian automotive technicians.

As reported previously, a private member’s bill directed at amending the Income Tax Act to allow mechanics to deduct tool expenses has passed second reading in the House of Commons. It is now with the standing committee for detailed review. Barring an election call, it could pass third reading when the house returns from its summer recess (and become law).

Since the bill has passed second reading, the Quebec Division of AIA is also lobbying on behalf of automotive technicians in that province to allow them to deduct tool expenses from their provincial tax returns. Quebec residents file separate federal and provincial tax returns.

In other activities, the 2000 Aftermarket Forum and E-Business Mini-Trade Fair to be held at the International Plaza Hotel in Toronto on November 22 will provide crucial information to all levels of the automotive market. Speakers and presentations include: Dr. Michael Graham, Canadian And World Economic Trends; Denis DesRosiers, DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, The Automotive Aftermarket Tomorrow; Lou Merz, director, global sales and marketing, Delphi Automotive Systems, Industry Giants Look to Increase Aftermarket Presence; Gene Gardner, recently retired as president, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, The Volatile U.S. Warehouse Distribution Business; and Richard Cooper, director J.D. Power and Associates, What the Consumer Wants.

E-Business is something everyone in the aftermarket needs to consider. Find out more about the opportunities from knowledgeable vendors during the event. To register for the Aftermarket Forum and trade fair contact Mireille Schipppers in Ottawa at (613) 728-5821 ext.226 or e-mail mireille@aiacanada.com by November 1.

NOTES FROM AROUND:

Doug Dawson reports that the Northern Alberta Division will have $3,000 available for this year’s Marion Roberts Scholarship contribution. A total of six awards will be given to eligible students. The division has also donated $250 to the general pool for the Arthur Paulin Scholarship Fund.

Rod Webb in Southern Alberta reports that the Southern Alberta Division has changed the name of its Blue Ball Golf Tournament to the Earl Corbett Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament. The Division is hoping to raise enough money at this tournament to carry the scholarship fund for 10 years.

Peter Gilchrist, B.C. Interior, says that the Penticton 2001 Convention Committee is working hard on preparations and things are looking good. Peter says business conditions in the Interior are starting to improve and many jobbers are reporting an upward trend. He also notes that Lordco is on the move again with new locations scheduled for Oliver and Merritt, B.C.

Note: If you have any information to contribute to this column please call Bob Blans at (905) 844-8616, Fax (905) 844-8731, E-Mail to blans@ibm.net or write to Across Canada Report c/o Jobber News Magazine, 1450 Don Mills Rd., Don Mills, ON M3B 2X7. In addition to AIA Division activities we are interested in hearing from you about the opening of a new business, change of ownership, expansions etc.