CKCA working with alliances on labour shortage issues

Association part of a coalition that met with federal industry minister

The CKCA recently participated with a manufacturers’ advocacy group that pressed concerns about labour shortages in Canada with the federal government. In January, the CKCA executive director Sandra Wood took part in a video conference meeting with the federal industry minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, who assured the group its concerns were recognized. CKCA is pivoting from this meeting to advance the labour concerns of the advanced wood manufacturing industry.

CKCA is one of 30 manufacturing trade associations that comprise the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition (CMC). The association became involved with this coalition as a result of its working relationship and alliance with the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME).

In the meeting with minister Champagne, the CMC stressed the need for urgent government action on the triple threat of supply chain bottlenecks, labour shortages, and trade protectionism. The minister heard from a number of manufacturing industry leaders including automotive, steel, food, and pharmaceuticals. Dennis Darby, the president and CEO of CME and also the chair of the CMC emphasized that all manufacturing industries are facing the same problems. One of the points raised in the coalition’s presentations was the need for a formal federal strategy to support Canadian manufacturers.

Minister Champagne appeared receptive to the CMC’s presentations and stated he recognized the many issues challenging manufacturers. In retrospect, Darby thought the meeting was useful, “This is a good first step, but now we need to see concrete action by the government to start addressing these challenges… We want to strengthen our sector and see it grow so it can continue to drive our economy. We look forward to our ongoing partnership with government to achieve that goal.”

The CMC, CKCA included, will continue to work with the minister’s office and government officials to address manufacturing concerns. It is imperative that manufacturers continue to dialogue with government and share data and news of how global and domestic events are impacting their industries.

The CKCA recognizes the immediate need to compile data on the advanced wood manufacturing industry. To advance its arguments for more responsive labour policies and government programs, the association must develop an informative picture of the current state of its labour shortage situation. It is working with the Canadian Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario (another member of the CMC) and other aligned organizations to gather data and develop the compelling arguments. The CKCA Advocacy Committee is contributing to this ongoing work that will eventually be part of the CMC presentation.

“This is important ground work that CKCA is undertaking to help our industry meet its labour shortage needs,” observes Sandra Wood. “We must leverage our alliances, as Canadian manufacturers of all kinds are experiencing the same problems and working towards similar resolutions. A reliable, skilled labour pool is a must for Canada’s economic growth.”

CKCA National Forum 2022 Moved to Fall

ANNOUNCEMENT

CKCA moves National Forum dates to Fall

The CKCA Board of Directors has made the decision to move the National Forum, slated for June 16-18, in Charlottetown, PEI, to Waterloo, ON, September 29-October 1, 2022.

The decision was made after consideration of the pace that Canada is easing restrictions due to Covid-19. Planning for events and contracting with providers takes months and given current circumstances, the CKCA Board has decided to push back the dates.  PEI is an excellent location and we look forward to visiting there in the future. Moving the event to the fall and leveraging a pre-existing event poses less risk at this time and we hope Covid-19 will be further behind. CKCA’s Fall Regional Event was already on the books with the Ontario location previously chosen.

In addition, CKCA hopes to return to the west in early 2023 with a Spring Regional Event. More updates will be provided as they become available.

CKCA will still be hosting the Annual General Meeting virtually May 25, 2022. All CKCA members will be invited to attend.

CKCA President, Heidi Boudreault says:

 “CKCA is anxious to get back to hosting face-to-face events. We know the huge value the plant tours and networking provides for our members and we’ve really missed that kind of interaction. Now, more than ever, we want to talk to each other because the past two years have been tough for us all. While there are still many uncertainties due to Omicron variant, the Board agreed that transitioning the previously scheduled Fall Regional event into the National Forum makes sense. It gives us more time to organize providers and it is our sincere hope that we will be well on our way to recovering from Covid-19.”

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

If you have any questions please contact Sandra Wood, CKCA Executive Director at 613-493-5858 or info@ckca.ca for more details.

 

New job bank created for the wood sector

The CKCA Board of Directors has identified that  the skilled labour shortage is a key strategic priority in 2022.

It is clear that every industry sector in Canada is experiencing shortages and competition for workers is getting more difficult.

In collaboration with our industry partners, CKCA is pleased to support a centralized job website where our industry can post positions and where candidates can easily apply for work.  View full details here.

In our current market where a skilled labour shortage is being felt across many sectors, it’s important we do all we can to ease the burden this situation. We encourage you to use this tool. It’s FREE!

Go to WoodworkingJobs.ca

Watch for more tools currently under development that will be made available soon.

 

CKCA plugs in to Cyber Threat Security Strategies

CKCA continues to work to share insights with our members to help you protect your business assets from Cyber attacks.
Register for this session, hosted by the Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario.  Taking place Feb 15, 2022 (CKCA Members welcome)
We continue to stay plugged in to the Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange, a valuable collaboration centre that brings security experts together to share intel on how to defend against the latest threats.
Recently we attended a panel discussion that heard from companies including TDBank. Due to issues on the international stage and conflicts in some parts of the world, cyber attacks are on the increase hitting big companies and small.
Furthermore, companies who have remote workers are at increased risk because workers may be on an unsecured network (i.e. coffee shop) working on the company computer with sensitive information. It’s important to have proper procedures in place to manage these situations in addition to taking steps to secure the data on your network.
Protect your business assets. Never assume. Use CKCA’s handy checklist to know what questions to ask your IT provider and and make sure you get answers.
Other tools:  Watch CKCA’s recorded session on Cyber Security here.
Cyber attacks are on the increase sparking more awareness to protect your business. Don’t get caught.

Vaccine Policy and Covid-19 Small Business Centre Help

Get the answers you need!

According to a KMPG survey, some 62% of employers who are preparing for employees to return to the workplace will require or plan to require proof of Covid-19 vaccination from their employees. As well, 84 per-cent agree that vaccines are key to avoiding another lockdown and should be mandatory.
According to Public Health Canada, as of Nov. 27, 2021, 75.86 per-cent of the population have been fully vaccinated.
Note: Don’t forget CKCA members are CFIB members (those eligibile) and that gives you access to all the latest updates on implementing Covid-19 vaccination policies in your workplace. Be sure to check out CFIB’s Covid-19 Small Business Help Centre. Get the answers and help you need. Forgot your CFIB member number? Call or E-mail us and we can provide that to you. CKCA – 613-493-5858 or info@ckca.ca

CKCA Stands with Industry!

Download Press Release here.

PRESS RELEASE

July 5, 2021

CKCA Stands with our Industry

The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association recognizes there are significant challenges facing our manufacturing sector as a result of Covid-19.  We ask that consumers and builders please bear with our industry partners and consider these key points as we work together to provide products and services to the Canadian and US markets:

  • Supply chain disruption on a global scale.
  • Increased demand for renovations, products for the home
  • On-going skilled labour shortage
  • Covid-19 health and safety protocols

Supply chain disruption has led industry suppliers to create “allocation programs” to best manage the flow of limited supply to keep our industry functioning. As a result, materials such as MDF, white melamine and hardware are in limited supply. These materials are normally readily available and our industry is having to adapt to longer lead times and increased planning in order to deliver on projects.

Increased demand for renovations is caused by an unprecedented surge for renovations to existing homes and new builds. This demand is on top of already existing and previously scheduled projects. It is pushing demand even higher and this increase is expected to continue while real estate prices remain high and borrowing remains low.  The CKCA anticipates demand will continue as other influencers including “aging in place”, will likely keep demand high plus infrastructure investments by other countries including the US that puts demand on building materials.

Trades in general were already experiencing significant labour shortages which is now exacerbated by the slow down in immigration into Canada of skilled workers. Companies have responded by adding more shifts and overtime, however, this causes increased labour costs and is not sustainable long-term.

Strict health and safety requirements align with every employer’s commitment to keep their employees safe. Lockdowns, use of PPE, distancing, daily employee screening and quarantining are part of normal operations now for kitchen manufacturers. This has added more operational load and cost.

Our industry continues to adapt and has operated successfully through this pandemic. We ask for patience and flexibility from consumers and builders as industry manufacturers and suppliers continue to make updates to timelines and prices. Customers remain of the upmost importance to our industry and we remain committed to doing our very best to meet those needs.

CKCA President, Heidi Boudreault says:

“In my 30 plus years in this industry I have never seen these kinds of challenges. While my business is based in Alberta and we are used to adapting to the highs and lows, these current conditions are pushing us all. We are doing our best to meet the demands of our clients who are incredibly important to us. But the fact remains that these are global issues beyond our control.”

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.

If you have any questions please contact Sandra Wood, CKCA Executive Director at 613-493-5858 or info@ckca.ca for more details.

Formaldehyde Emissions – Get to Know the New Regulations

Formaldehyde Emissions – Get to know the new regulations

Refreshed Regulations are now available and come into force January 7, 2023. Published in the Canada Gazette we recommend you review the regulations and check with your suppliers as you ready for compliance. Levels of responsibility fall on suppliers as well as manufacturers! Keeping track of compliant product will be important and requires industry record-keeping, labelling and reporting. The new regulations align with the US requirements to help minimize the burden on businesses operating in Canada and the US.
Third party certifiers who certify product can view guidance document here»

CKCA’s Cyber Risk Tool

You don’t have to understand all the tech, but you do have to understand the risk – Use this CKCA tool!

You can’t be an expert at everything. You have to delegate to others to ensure your business is protected against cyber security.

CKCA went to THE source for cyber security insights and have partnered with Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange to produce this handy checklist (please log in as a CKCA member to view this great tool).

Give this checklist to your IT contact and get them to go through it and respond to you. Remember it won’t be your IT contact paying the ransomware, it will be you! So if you want to make sure your IT has got your business covered, show them this list and see what they say.

Did you know about 70% of Canadian companies have experienced an attack and that number is growing?

It can’t happen to you? Really? Check out these stories:

  • Trail Appliances, western Canada’s largest appliance retailer has been impacted by a Cyberattack. Read more »
  • Drowning in threat information? Getting advice from the right sources is important. Read more»
  • At the end of the day, every organization owns the responsibility to acquire, implement and manage their IT. Read more»