Who We Are
Founded in 1968, the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA) is a national association that strives to promote the interests and conserve the rights of manufacturers of kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and related millwork, as well as their suppliers and dealers, throughout Canada. The CKCA office is located in Ottawa, and our Board of Directors is spread across Canada.
Heidi Boudreault, Denca Cabinets, (Calgary, AB) serves as President. The Association holds monthly webinars featuring industry experts to speak on relevant topics to the industry. In addition, CKCA hosts an Annual General Meeting and National Forum. Previously the AGM and National Forum were held face to face in late April/early May timeslot. However, since Covid-19 this event has taken place on-line. In addition, CKCA has hosted regional events to bring CKCA closer to it’s members across Canada. These events have not yet resumed due to Covid-19. Face to face events allow participants a chance to tour other manufacturing facilities including other kitchen manufacturers as well as other facilities. In addition, keynote and industry speakers attend. Attendees walk away with more knowledge and ideas for their own business and new contacts within the industry.
For CKCA Bylaws, please visit the member only section of our website.
Our Vision
The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA) will inspire progress and innovation in the Canadian kitchen manufacturing industry, by promoting excellence, facilitating continuous improvement and working to ensure high standards for design and manufacturing are upheld by members. We will also build strong relationships and enduring trust between CKCA members and the consumers, builders and industry partners whose support ensures the success of our members.
Our Mission
CKCA promotes the highest standards in Canadian kitchen manufacturing. We provide opportunities for members to grow and strengthen their businesses; and forums for suppliers and manufacturers to collaborate. CKCA brings manufacturers a comprehensive quality assurance testing program. Our member manufacturers demonstrate a commitment to the highest quality in product manufacturing. Fully dedicated to the professionalism of our members we offer education and resources for training, public visibility and recognition through our website directory and; we provide connections and strategic alliances through a credible network of like-minded people.
Our Core Values
- Uphold the highest standards in good craftsmanship and installation;
- Encourage creative kitchen design and innovative cabinetry function and space solutions;
- Deal honestly and fairly with customers and stand behind the quality of work and service commitments;
- Exchange information and experience, encourage research on materials and technical advancements in manufacturing techniques
Our History
Following a June, 1967, Federal Government kitchen cabinet seminar in Toronto, attended by over 30 kitchen cabinet manufacturers from many provinces, a select committee was formed to discuss establishing a national trade association of their own.
Volunteer committee members were:
- Ron Good, President, Crestwood Kitchens, Richmond, BC
- Hugh Gregg, President, Gregg Cabinets Ltd., Chambly, PQ
- Ken Hisey, President, H.G. Design Ltd., Agincourt, ON
- Harold Fursman, Sales Manager, Hanover Kitchens (Canada) Ltd., Hanover, ON
- Walter Vaarsi, President, Raywal Ltd., Toronto, ON
- Morrie Wolfman, President, Sanderson Harold Co., Downsview, ON
Without the visionary pioneer group who laid the foundation in 1968, we would not have the effective national association of today. The CKCA celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018.
It was recommended to them by the government that they talk to three organizations, one of which was the Canadian Lumbermen’s Association (CLA). That fall they had two meetings with J.F. McCracken, Assistant Executive Director, CLA, and asked him to submit an operational proposal for their consideration, to include structure, finance and program.
In January, 1968, the select committee, having accepted the proposal, recommended to their industry, the formation of the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association. The newly-formed trade Association would consist of a Board of Directors which would draft its constitution, business and financial structure, and objectives. The Association was incorporated in 1972.
It would also work towards repealing of Federal Sales Tax on kitchen cabinets, the development of industry standards, provide production and sales reporting service, cost analysis reports, quality control programs, act as liaison with Federal industry programs, promote factory built kitchens and bathroom vanities, hold regular meetings and an annual convention.
The CKCA President would sit on the CLA Board of Directors. Membership was limited to those manufacturing kitchens, associate members to come from suppliers to the producers. An industry-wide invitation was distributed regarding an inaugural meeting, scheduled for May 9, 1968, in Toronto.
The participants at the meeting subsequently endorsed the foregoing program, approved J.F. McCracken as its Executive Vice-President, and CLA link. Ron Good was elected the first President of the CKCA.