Across Canada Report: Good News for ’02

It was a good start to the year for automotive service apprentices who, thanks to the lobbying of Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) and other trade associations, will now be able to deduct the cost of their tools from their income tax effective January 1, 2002.

Although Ontario and Quebec were not included in the budget release with the new provisions, Quebec has already indicated it will harmonize with Ottawa to allow for the deduction and it is expected that Ontario will follow suit. I still think that automotive service technicians themselves should also be able to deduct a portion of their tool purchases, but the deduction for apprentices is certainly a step in the right direction. WDs, jobbers and tool manufacturers should also benefit from this new provision.

Most importantly, though, is the fact that government has removed a major obstacle to students seeking a career in the automotive aftermarket service industry.

NOTES FROM AROUND:

Doug Dawson reports that the Northern Alberta Division held a retirement party for Doug Cumming, who retired as president of Acklands-Grainger effective December 31, 2001. Cumming, who received the AIA Distinguished Service Award last year, has been with the Acklands organization for 44 years. The retirement party in his honor was held at the Petroleum Club in Edmonton, Alta. Close to 100 people attended, including many friends, associates and suppliers. Congratulations, Doug!

Doug Dawson also reports The Northern Alberta Booster Club is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Each year the Booster Club has honored members of the automotive industry for their contributions to the industry. This year the AIA Northern Alberta Division will join the Boosters to honor past recipients at a special function to be held in the fall. The date and location is yet to be confirmed. For further information on this event call Darryl Moroz at 780-460-1945 or fax him at 780-460-1946.

Peter Gilchrist reports from the B.C. Interior that the UAP/NAPA store in Nelson, B.C., has become a corporate store and former owner/manager Pat Siller is exploring other avenues. Also, Lordco’s new store in Armstrong, B.C. was scheduled to open on February 2. The new store in Grand Fork, B.C. is now open.

And this from Lloyd Reynard, AIA Vancouver Island and B.C. rep. He notes that the British Columbia Corvette Club is giving the British Columbia Institute of Technology (an AIA affiliate member) $1,000 for the most deserving student in any of the automotive programs the institute offers. He says this is the first car club in B.C. to offer this program. He hopes it will become an annual event.

AIA chairman Peter Tekker is pleased to announce the appointment of Ken Warner (Doug’s Truck and Automotive) as chairman of the Ottawa Valley Division. He is replacing Hugh Cameron, who will become AIA’s new field representative for the Ottawa Valley Division this summer. Hugh replaces Bruce Lothian who is retiring from his post as rep. AIA wishes Bruce happy retirement and is thankful for his many contributions to the industry.

Even though we are in the midst of winter, the Saskatchewan Division has finalized plans for its 17th Annual Marion Roberts Golf Tournament, according to Al Schulzke, the division fundraising chairman. It will be held at Harbour Golf Club in Elbow, Sask., on Thursday June 6. Last year there were 71 participants and they contributed $2,200 toward AIA scholarship awards.

Charlie Taylor in Atlantic Canada says the Atlantic Division Winter/Spring Event is scheduled for March 22 in Halifax. It consists of an afternoon of bowling followed by a Dinner Theatre Evening.

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 rblans@sympatico.ca 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.