CKCA Announces 2026/2027 Board of Directors

 CKCA Members Elect 2026/2027 Board of Directors

The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association held their 2026 Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 18 at 1pm (ET) via Zoom.

Members voted to elect two candidates to the Board of Directors for 2026/2027. Immediately following the Annual Meeting, the newly elected and Board then appointed the Executive Officers who’s terms were up for renewal.  We are pleased to provide the following update:

Executive:

As Directors, these representatives also hold executive officer roles.

Luke Elias, Muskoka Cabinet Company –  President (Continues second term as Director and first year of a two-year term as President)

 Rishelle Tarr, Westwood Fine Cabinetry –  Vice-President (Continues first term as Director and first year of a two-year term as Vice-President)

Craig Atkinson, Marathon Hardware – Treasurer (Continues second term as Director and second year of a 3-year term as Treasurer)

 Amrita Bhogal, Sunrise Kitchens –  Past-President (Continues second term as Director and first year of a two-year term as Past President)

 Sandra Wood, CKCA Staff  –  Secretary (Annual appointment)

Directors:

Terms of office are 3 years and may run for 3 consecutive terms.

Corey Laurysen, Laurysen Kitchens – Director (Newly elected, begins first term)

Pete Fournier, Triangle Kitchen –  Director (Continues third term)

Rick Hurst, Richelieu Hardware – Director (Continues first term)

James McKenna, Glenwood Kitchen – Director (Continues first term)

Trevor Chaulk, Chaulk Woodworking – Director (Continues second term)

 Craig Bauslaugh, Columbia Kitchens – Director (Continues first term)

Joerg Brauns, Cyncly – Director (Continues second term)

Chris Havey, CNC Automation – Director (Continues second term)

Gerald Van Woudenberg, Van Arbour Design – Director (Continues third term)

CKCA would also like to acknowledge and sincerely thank departing Board member Giuseppe Castrucci, Laurysen Kitchens who served for 5 years. Through his dedicated support, CKCA has been able to grow and evolve by delivering more programs and services to the membership.

Link to Board members photos and bios can be found here.

CKCA President, Luke Elias says:

 “I am honoured to serve as President of the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association at a pivotal time for our industry. Canadian manufacturers are facing significant challenges, but also tremendous opportunities to strengthen our position, grow our influence, and showcase the innovation and craftsmanship that define this sector. Over the next two years, my focus will be on expanding our membership, strengthening our voice with government, increasing engagement across our committees and membership, and ensuring the association remains strong for future generations. We have built remarkable momentum in recent years, and I believe the best days for CKCA are still ahead. I look forward to working alongside our board, Executive Director Sandra Wood, and members across the country to continue building a stronger, more connected, and more influential association”

The CKCA National Forum will be held October 5– 8, in Quebec. Registration opens this summer.

CKCA established in 1968, is a national trade association representing the kitchen cabinet industry in Canada. CKCA works to inspire progress and innovation in the industry, by promoting excellence, facilitating continuous improvement and working to ensure high standards for design and manufacturing are upheld.

For more information:

Sandra Wood, CKCA Executive Director

613-493-5858

sandra@ckca.ca

 

CKCA appears at Senate of Canada Parliamentary Committee

Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (AEFA)
Study on CUSMA and Canada’s Trade Relationships with the United States and Mexico
June 10, 2026

You can watch the CKCA presentation here»

Opening Remarks by: Sandra Wood, Executive Director, Canadian Kitchen Cabinet
Association

Chair, Honourable Senators,

Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today.

The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association represents manufacturers across Canada that produce kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and related products. Our members are primarily small and medium-sized businesses operating in communities across the country. Together, the sector supports more than 25,000 jobs, 3,700 businesses and contributes approximately $4.7 billion annually to Canada’s economy.

Our industry is an important example of value-added manufacturing, transforming Canadian forestry products into finished goods that support housing construction, economic growth, and employment across Canada.

Our industry is experiencing first-hand how changing trade patterns and supply chain disruptions can directly affect Canadian manufacturers.

While the United States delayed a planned increase in tariffs from 25 percent to 50 percent until January 1, 2027, the current tariff remains in place and continues to affect Canadian manufacturers. Meanwhile, Canada is increasingly experiencing trade diversion as imported products seek alternative markets.

Since 2019, cabinet imports into Canada have grown by approximately 20 percent annually. In the last 18 months alone, import values increased from $176 million to $231 million, while import volumes rose from 3.7 million to more than 5 million units.

Cabinet imports into Canada have increased dramatically as global trade flows have shifted. Much of this growth has originated from Asia, particularly China and Southeast Asia, as suppliers sought alternative markets in response to changing North American trade policies.

At the same time, the United States has taken action to address import surges and trade distortions in the wood products sector through Section 232 tariffs, including a 25 percent tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities.

These pressures are having real consequences. Many manufacturers have experienced significant revenue declines, reduced production, delayed investments, workforce reductions, and facility closures. Our members have already had to lay off employees or scale back operations. These are often family-owned businesses that have operated in their communities for decades. For example, South Shore Furniture, a Quebec furniture company in operation since 1940, has had to shut its operations and layoff over 120 staff in late April. Companies across Ontario, British Columbia and other parts of the company are cutting staff and reducing production capacity.

As Canada prepares for the Review, it is important to recognize that manufacturing capacity is a strategic asset. Strong North American trade depends not only on the movement of raw materials but also on maintaining competitive value-added manufacturing industries that create jobs and investment.

There are three key priorities:

  • First, Canada should recognize value-added manufacturing sectors such as cabinet manufacturing as strategic contributors to economic security, supply chain resilience, and North American competitiveness.
  • Second, the government should continue expanding opportunities for Canadian-made products or “Buy Canada products” through procurement policies and housing initiatives that support domestic manufacturing capacity.
  • Third, Canada should ensure that trade remedy and safeguard mechanisms are responsive when industries face significant market disruption. By the time relief measures are implemented, considerable damage has often already occurred.

Finally, as Canada enters the Review, policymakers should not only consider the largest sectors that are being impacted, but also the growing use of Section 232 tariffs on downstream value- added wood products, including kitchen cabinets and vanities.

January 1, 2027 is fast approaching. Unless alternative arrangements are reached, the U.S. tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities is scheduled to increase from 25 percent to 50 percent. Combined with ongoing import pressures from Asia, this creates significant uncertainty for Canadian manufacturers at a time when many businesses are already under strain.

Thank you. I look forward to your questions.

Full Video: Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade

CKCA Announces Three Candidates Running for Election in 2026

CKCA Board of Directors is pleased to announce the candidacy of three members for the two positions currently open on the Board of Directors. The term of office is for three years. At the end of the three years, a Board member may choose to run for a second term (they are eligible to run for 3 consecutive terms).

Listed in alphabetical order with links to their bios.

Members will receive voting materials and a link to register shortly and may vote using Proxy and Ballot or by attending live the CKCA Annual Meeting on June 18 at 1pm ET on Zoom.

Members of CKCA are the companies, therefore each member company carries one vote. If voting by proxy and ballot, the designated voting rep may cast their vote in advance and assign a proxy to attend the meeting on their behalf. OR the member company can assign a designated voting representative who will attend the meeting and vote live during the meeting.

CKCA President Reflects on Her Two-Year Term 2024-2026

CKCA’s presidential address: “I have seen incredible resilience in this industry”

Amrita Bhogal, President of the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association, addressed the participants of the CKCA 2026 Spring Regional Conference, held May 12-14 in Hamilton, Ontario. Here are the president’s remarks about leadership and the work of the CKCA.

For every CKCA event I have always focused on sharing a key learning and over the weeks as I was gathering my thoughts for tonight, I kept asking myself one question: “How do you summarize a journey that changed you while you were living it?” And honestly… I’m still not sure you fully can.

When I stepped into the role of President of the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association, I thought leadership would mostly be about direction, decisions, and helping move initiatives forward. And yes, there was a lot of that. But what I didn’t expect… was how personal the journey would become.

There were moments where I felt completely confident walking into a room. And there were other moments where I left meetings replaying conversations in my head wondering, “How could we better handle that” and “how could we put procedures or policies in place for future leaders” Especially during some of the advocacy work.

I never imagined this role would involve conversations with government, navigating industry pressures, balancing different perspectives, and trying to help carry important messages forward on behalf of so many people.

At times, it felt heavy. Because I cared deeply. And I think that was one of the biggest lessons for me.

Leadership is not about having all the answers.

There were many moments where I genuinely did not know the answer. But I learned I didn’t need to know everything. I needed to listen carefully. I needed to stay curious. I needed to bring the right people/subject matter experts together. And sometimes, I simply needed to create space for people to feel heard. That became one of the things I am most proud of during this journey. Not just the work we accomplished — but how we approached it. Making sure voices were heard. Listening fully before acting. Trying to bridge gaps instead of deepening them. And helping move conversations forward in a way that respected both experience and new perspectives.

Because when people feel heard, something changes. Walls come down. Ideas open up. People begin contributing differently. That belief is what inspired things like the HR roundtable this past year. Not because we needed another meeting on the calendar… But because our industry needed a place for people conversations too.

Conversations about leadership, culture, hiring, retention, and the realities businesses are navigating every day. And watching those connections begin to form across companies and across Canada reminded me how powerful community really is.

I also realized throughout this experience that leadership carries a responsibility far beyond the moment you are in. There were many conversations where I found myself thinking not only about the issue in front of us, but also about what we were building for the future.

How could we handle challenges better? What processes, policies, or structures could we put in place to support future leaders and strengthen the association long after our own terms ended? That perspective began shaping how I approached meetings, discussions, and decision-making. I became increasingly aware of the value of every minute people were giving to the table and the importance of using that time intentionally to move conversations forward in meaningful ways. Over time, I found myself focusing less on reacting to the moment and more on helping create clarity, alignment, and long-term progress. And I think that is one of the biggest things this role taught me: Leadership is not just about guiding people through today’s decisions. It is about leaving things stronger, clearer, and more supported for the people who come next.

Leadership is not just about guiding people through today’s decisions. It is about leaving things stronger, clearer, and more supported for the people who come next.

As a first-generation Canadian, raised by parents who immigrated here to create opportunity for their children, I grew up understanding the value of hard work. But one of the greatest gifts they gave me was confidence in using my voice and the encouragement to stay grounded in my personal values. Thank you for your supporting my leadership journey at CKCA over these years. Your presence at the events has been greatly appreciated. I know I’ve made my family proud, but I also hope that in some small way, I’ve helped create visibility for other women, and for members of the Indian and Punjabi community, to see that there is space for them in leadership within our industry too. Because representation matters.

And sometimes simply seeing someone step into a role helps others believe they can as well. Standing here tonight, I realize how much of my leadership journey has really been about helping create that same space for others. Encouraging people to contribute. Helping people feel included in conversations. Making room for different perspectives, generations, and ideas.

Because the future of this industry will not be shaped by one type of leader. It will be shaped by people willing to listen, adapt, collaborate, and continue learning from one another. And honestly… that gives me a lot of hope.

I have seen incredible resilience in this industry. I have seen generosity, innovation, mentorship, and people who genuinely care about what they are building — not just in their businesses, but in their communities and teams. And I feel incredibly grateful to have experienced this chapter alongside all of you.

As I transition into the role of Past President, I do so feeling proud of what this community continues to represent. Some of the best parts of this journey were the conversations behind the scenes the problem solving, the debates, the moments of alignment, and the shared care for where this industry is headed.

This year brought more change, complexity, and challenges than many of us anticipated, and while there is still important work ahead, I think tonight is also a moment to pause, reflect, and feel proud of everything we have navigated and overcome together.

To our board of directors, thank you for your continuous support. Behind every strong association is someone doing countless hours of work behind the scenes. From emails late into the evening, to stepping up again and again whenever support was needed, she has been a steady presence throughout an incredibly demanding year. Thank you to our Executive Director, Sandra Wood.

And I think if I could leave one thought behind tonight, it would simply be this: Leadership is not really about titles.

Titles eventually change. What lasts is how people experienced you. Did people feel heard? Did people feel respected? Did people feel encouraged to step forward too? That is the kind of leadership I hope I have brought to this role. And it is the kind of leadership I know will continue long after my presidency ends.

As our Vice President Luke Elias and I have worked very closely together, and I’ve seen firsthand his commitment to innovation, collaboration, and moving our industry forward. As many of you know, our “Leader of Robotics” brings not only vision for the future, but also a leadership style grounded in curiosity, connection, and progress and I know the association will be in great hands.

And to the association, thank you for your trust, for your support. And thank you for allowing me to be part of this journey with all of you. It has truly meant more to me than I can fully put into words.

The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA), established in 1968, is a national trade association representing the kitchen cabinet industry in Canada. CKCA works to inspire progress and innovation in the industry, by promoting excellence, facilitating continuous improvement and working to ensure high standards for design and manufacturing are upheld.

For more information:
Sandra Wood, CKCA Executive Director
sandra@ckca.ca
613-493-5858

CKCA in Partnership with Blum Canada delivers another successful event at Eurocucina 2026

On April 19-25, CKCA partnered with Blum Canada to deliver another jam packed program for more than 30 attendees who went to Austria and Italy to tour Blum and finish off at Eurocucina in Milan, Italy.

For wrap up details, photos, a link to Blum Canada’s Trends Report from this international trade show be sure to visit  Eurocucina – Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association

This program is open to CKCA members. We look forward to working with Blum Canada again to plan the next program for April 2028. Watch the Events section of our website for more details.

Global Supply Chains Didn’t Break. They Were Always Fragile

Sylvain Duchesne, President of Olon Industries shares his perspective on why the industry is rethinking sourcing—and why reliability is now driving decisions.

 

Georgetown, Ontario (April 2026) – For decades, global supply chains prioritized cost above all else. Materials moved across oceans, production shifted overseas, and manufacturing became increasingly
fragmented. But in recent years, the market has begun to recognize the true cost of that model.

Shipping disruptions, unpredictable lead times, currency volatility, and geopolitical uncertainty have exposed the fragility of long-distance supply chains. As a result, manufacturers, distributors, and designers are re-evaluating how materials are sourced.

Across North America, we are seeing a renewed appreciation for local manufacturing. Not simply because it is domestic — but because it delivers something increasingly valuable: reliability.

“At Olon, our approach has always been different,” said Sylvain Duchesne, President, Olon Industries. “Rather than focusing on individual materials, we design integrated component systems — panels,
mouldings, and components engineered to work together seamlessly. This system approach reduces complexity for fabricators, ensures material consistency across projects, and provides the reliability that modern production environments require.”

Local manufacturing strengthens that model even further. It enables stable supply chains, faster collaboration with customers, and the ability to respond quickly to changing market needs.

And we know that issues sometimes arise, which is why having local customer service close by to urgently respond or visit on site is so valuable. It can be the difference between getting your production
back up and running quickly or potentially losing out on sales.

The lesson from recent years is clear – the most resilient manufacturing ecosystems are the ones closest to the people who rely on them. As the industry moves forward, the conversation is evolving
beyond lowest price toward sustainable competitiveness, with a clear emphasis on supporting local companies and local workers.

“That’s the principle that has guided Olon from the beginning,” said Sylvain Duchesne, President, Olon Industries. “Because when every component is designed to work together — it all comes together.”

 

About Olon: Olon Industries is one of North America’s leading single-source manufacturers of quality components and custom solutions for the furniture and cabinet making industries. With over 45 years of entrepreneurial spirit and an unwavering commitment to supply customers with high-quality, cost saving products and solutions, these values remain the cornerstone and spirit of Olon today. Olon facilities are in Georgetown, ON; Geneva, IL and Washington, IN. More information: www.olon.ca.

Media Contact:
Olivia Marcinkowski, Marketing Manager
Olon Industries, 42 Armstrong Avenue, Georgetown, ON L7G 4R9
omarcinkowski@olon.com

Canada’s national kitchen cabinet association commends Government of Canada for launching a Global Safeguard

PRESS RELEASE

April 22, 2026

 Canada’s national kitchen cabinet association commends Government of Canada for launching a Global Safeguard Investigation; Calls for interim measures for immediate relief of industry 

April 22, 2026 / Ottawa, ON — The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA) supports the Government of Canada’s launch of a safeguard investigation into imported kitchen cabinets and related wood products, an important step toward restoring a fair and level playing field.

Read the full media statement: Minister of Finance requests safeguard inquiry into imports of certain wood products

Canadian manufacturers are facing a flood of imports into Canada. A safeguard is necessary to restore balance and protect domestic manufacturing capacity from imminent collapse.

As a member of the Canadian Wood Products Alliance, CKCA supports efforts to maintain a strong and competitive domestic manufacturing base and urges the Government to implement a provisional tariff during the safeguard investigation to prevent further harm. The investigation alone will not be sufficient to provide the stability our industry needs. Without a provisional tariff, Canada’s safeguard investigation risks being undone by massive inventories of product into the Canadian market, and many Canadian producers will close and continue layoffs in the coming months. Canadian producers have enough excess capacity to supply the Canadian market.

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal will engage manufacturers as part of this process. CKCA encourages full industry participation.

Amrita Bhogal, CKCA President stated: “Since 2023, the kitchen cabinet industry has experienced an estimated 47% decline in revenues, with a further 20% decline anticipated in 2026. Behind these numbers are skilled workers, families, and communities who depend on a strong domestic manufacturing sector. Many companies have already closed, faced layoffs, deferred investments, and suffered price depression. Today’s step by government is an important signal of support and is welcomed by our members, but continued assistance will be essential to ensure multi-generational Canadian manufacturers like my own can continue investing in people and communities for decades to come.”

Luke Elias, CKCA Vice-President stated, “Canadian manufacturers have no difficulties with competition. But the unfair trade practices from imports has hit us hard. In the last two years there has been a 36% increase of low-priced imports from various countries and this has undercut domestic manufacturers by approximately 10%. These imports are taking larger percentages of the market away from Canadian manufacturers every year, making it increasingly hard for Canadian businesses to be competitive. Some interim measures must be taken immediately as manufacturers are in need of relief now.”

The Canadian kitchen cabinet manufacturers are a significant part of the country’s economy. They employ more than 25,000, generate more than $4.7 billion in annual revenue, and have been manufacturing in Canada for more than 50 years. The workforce is highly skilled, producing quality, functional spaces that turn houses into homes. Many cabinetry companies are family-run, generational businesses. This fact carries a unique sense of pride, ownership and longevity to continue the legacies started by the original owners many of whom came from other countries choosing to settle and build their lives and successful businesses in Canada. Learn more with this short video: We Build In Canada!

The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA), established in 1968, is a national trade association representing the kitchen cabinet industry in Canada. CKCA works to inspire progress and innovation in the industry, by promoting excellence, facilitating continuous improvement and working to ensure high standards for design and manufacturing are upheld.

For more information:

Sandra Wood, CKCA Executive Director

sandra@ckca.ca

613-493-5858

 

 

Superior Cabinets Wins Two Awards at 2026 Spring Home Shows

At the Edmonton show, the award-winning display (Booth 2607) showcased a balance of form and function—spaces designed to work, built to last, and detailed with intent. The layout featured multiple cabinetry and millwork zones, including a bar, island, fireplace mantle, vanity, and mudroom, all unified with integrated lighting.

In Saskatoon, the double booth elevated both scale and storytelling, combining product, layout, and real-life application into a cohesive walk-through experience. Featured spaces included an L-shaped kitchen, an island, a mudroom, and a custom TV entertainment unit, all brought together again through thoughtful lighting and execution.

Together, these award-winning displays reflect a clear philosophy: great cabinetry must perform in real life—and that only happens with expert design guiding every decision.

 

To read the full press release, and see which awards Superior Cabinets won, click here. 

Chaulk Announces Acquisition of All About Kitchens, Expanding Cabinetry Reach Across Cottage Country and Beyond

Acquisition positions Chaulk for continued growth while carrying forward the legacy of All About Kitchens

Haliburton Highlands, ON — April 1, 2026 — Chaulk, one of Canada’s highest producing cabinetry facilities per square foot, is proud to announce the acquisition of All About Kitchens, a well-established cabinetry and kitchen design company founded by Michael Smith. This strategic acquisition marks a major growth milestone for Chaulk, strengthening its ability to serve a larger regional footprint and increasing its capacity to deliver custom cabinetry solutions across Ontario.

Based in Minden, Ontario, Chaulk has experienced significant growth over the past 17 years, expanding from a 600-square-foot home garage operation into a 5,000-square-foot cabinetry facility employing 12 full-time team members.

With the acquisition of All About Kitchens, Chaulk will expand its operations by an additional 15,000 square feet, representing a meaningful increase in market share and service capacity across the region.

 

A Stronger Presence Across the Highlands, Muskoka and the Kawarthas

Together, Chaulk and All About Kitchens now represent one of the largest cabinetry service footprints across Ontario, with a home base that includes the Haliburton Highlands and Musoka, while continuing to serve major centres such as the Kawarthas, Ottawa and the Greater Toronto Area.

This expanded presence strengthens Chaulk’s ability to deliver its signature combination of craftsmanship, efficiency, and custom design, while supporting increased production and growth opportunities.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Chaulk, and one that represents meaningful growth for our company,” says Trevor Chaulk, President of Chaulk. “All About Kitchens has built an incredible reputation, and we’re genuinely excited to work alongside another great team. We see this as a major step forward in expanding our reach, increasing capacity, and continuing to deliver the quality and service our clients and builder partners expect.”

“All About Kitchens has always been about craftsmanship, trust, and the people behind the work. I’m honoured to have Trevor Chaulk take on this legacy, and I’m confident he will lead the team forward with the same care, passion, and commitment to excellence,” says Michael Smith, Founder of All About Kitchens.

 

What This Means for Chaulk

This acquisition supports Chaulk’s ongoing strategic focus on growth, operational efficiency, and product innovation. The company continues to invest in production capacity and systems that allow it to deliver industry-leading timelines without sacrificing quality.

Chaulk will work closely with the All About Kitchens team to ensure a smooth transition, maintaining the high standard of service clients have come to trust, while expanding the opportunities available through a larger combined operation. ‘

 

About Chaulk

Chaulk is a custom cabinetry company based in Minden, Ontario, producing cabinetry for homes and businesses across Ontario. From kitchens and bathrooms to home offices, garages and more, Chaulk is known for superior quality, efficient timelines, and a community-based approach. Visit: www.shopchaulk.com

 

About All About Kitchens

All About Kitchens is a cabinetry and kitchen design company known for craftsmanship, client trust, and a strong regional reputation. Founded by Michael Smith, the company has served homeowners and builders across Ontario for nearly 30 years. Visit: www.allaboutkitchens.ca

 

Media Contact:

Amanda Schultz

Partner, The Voima Group a

manda@voimagroup.ca

705.817.6350