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

Denis Mai, Technical Manager, Kekuli Bay Cabinetry

Denis Mai is Technical Manager at Kekuli Bay Cabinetry Ltd. in Vernon, British Columbia, where he brings extensive hands-on experience in kitchen cabinet manufacturing, production, and technical operations. Throughout his career, Denis has developed a strong understanding of the operational and engineering side of cabinet manufacturing, with particular expertise in automation, production systems, strategic planning, and manufacturer–supplier collaboration. His practical industry knowledge, combined with day-to-day leadership in a manufacturing environment, gives him a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Canadian cabinet manufacturers today.

Denis is seeking a position on the CKCA Board because he is committed to supporting the continued growth and advancement of the Canadian kitchen cabinet industry. He values the role CKCA plays in connecting manufacturers, suppliers, and industry partners across the country, and sees the Board as an opportunity to contribute his experience in a meaningful way. He is motivated by the opportunity to help strengthen the industry through collaboration, innovation, and shared learning, while ensuring CKCA continues to provide relevant value and leadership for its members.

Denis would bring a practical, solutions-focused voice to the Board, grounded in deep experience with kitchen cabinet manufacturing, automation technology, supply chain, business development, and strategic leadership. He is particularly passionate about manufacturing innovation, improving efficiency through technology, and building strong partnerships between manufacturers and suppliers that support long-term success across the industry. Denis believes in teamwork, collaboration, and continuous improvement, and is committed to helping shape a strong and forward-thinking future for CKCA and its members across Canada.

Feel free to contact Denis at denis@kekulibaycabinetry.com 

Chris Havey, Director Product Development, CNC Automation

 

 

 

 

 

Corey Laurysen, Vice President, Sales & Service, Laurysen Kitchens

Corey Laurysen is Vice President of Sales & Service at Laurysen Kitchens and a third-generation leader in one of Canada’s most respected cabinet manufacturing companies. Raised in the industry, Corey grew up with a deep understanding of both cabinet manufacturing and association leadership, with multiple family members having played active leadership roles within CKCA. At Laurysen, he has helped guide the company through a major period of growth, including a significant facility expansion, the adoption of lean batch-of-one manufacturing, and the continued development of a strong dealer network across Ontario.

Corey is seeking election to the CKCA Board because of his strong commitment to the future of the Canadian kitchen cabinet industry and his belief in the important role CKCA plays in supporting manufacturers. While his family has a longstanding history with the association, his interest in serving is rooted in contributing his own perspective and helping shape what comes next for the industry. He sees the challenges facing manufacturers today—from automation and supply chain resilience to workforce development and evolving consumer expectations—as opportunities for the association to lead, and he is motivated to be part of that work.

As a Board Director, Corey would bring a practical manufacturer’s perspective, strategic business experience, and collaborative leadership style shaped by both business and team environments. He offers firsthand knowledge of sales, operations, manufacturing, supplier relationships, and growth strategy, along with strong relationships across the CKCA community. Corey is especially passionate about advancing Canadian manufacturing, supporting innovation in cabinet production, and ensuring the industry remains strong for future generations. He is committed to serving with energy, humility, and a genuine desire to contribute to the continued success of CKCA and its members.

One thing Corey says that some may not know – he loves this industry!

Feel free to contact Corey at claurysen@laurysenkitchens.com

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

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

Terms and Conditions – CKCA Manufacturers Roundtable

Any topic relevant to the kitchen cabinet industry may be discussed during CKCA roundtable sessions. Any information shared by other roundtable participants is voluntary. The advice and experiences shared  is for the sole purpose of providing  perspective and opinion that may be helpful to other roundtable participants, it is not paid professional advice. CKCA does not assume any responsibility for how roundtable participants use this information shared during these sessions.  CKCA encourages participants to seek professional advice as needed.  Discussions on specific pricing, discounts or price changes with competitors or suppliers may support anti-competitive behaviour and is not permissible during roundtable discussions. 

CKCA Manufacturers Roundtables Sessions are not recorded. Participants are welcome to take notes from the sessions. CKCA reserves the right to follow up on matters raised at the roundtable that may be helpful to CKCA and the membership.

Jeremie Tudeau – 2025/2026 Board Candidate

What is your interest in the CKCA and why would you like to serve on the CKCA Board?

I am a motivated by a strong desire for both personal and professional growth through collective intelligence. I believe in the power of sharing ideas, learning from eachother, and challenging ourselves to evolve. The CKCA board offers a unique opportunity to engage with peers across the country, to validate our perspectives, and to grow stronger together.

Beyond individual growth, I want to contribute to a stronger, more unified Canadian manufacturing ecosystem. I believe that by increasing collaboration and exchange from east to west, we can build resilience and reduce our dependence on unstable forces beyond our southern border. My vision is one of a thriving “Canada Inc.” – where manufacturers speak with a shared voice, work together, and elevate the industry as a whole.

I bring a wide-ranging operational leadership background that touhces every aspect of a manufacturing organization. As interim Vice President of Operations for a Canadian kitchen cabinet manufacgturers from Quebec, I oversee multiple departments including customer service, order management, production, IT, procurement, operational excellence, maintenance, and quality assurance.

I believe I can bring a balanced, pragmatic voice to the CKCA Board – one that values innovation, operational excellence, and industry collaboration – and I’m excited to contribute to the growth and strength of our industry.

What would you like to tell the voting members about you?

As someone who operates directly within the kitchen cabinet manufacturing sector and oversees a wide spectrum of functions — from customer service to production and digital transformation — I understand both the challenges and opportunities our industry is facing.

What I bring to the CKCA Board is a mix of operational depth, cross-functional leadership, and a genuine desire to collaborate. I’m committed to helping us grow as a collective — to share what works, to challenge what doesn’t, and to make space for innovation without losing sight of our craft and our people.

If elected, I will approach this role with humility, curiosity, and drive. I believe the best ideas come when diverse voices are heard, and I would be proud to represent our community and contribute actively to the future of our industry.

You can reach Jeremie at jeremie.tudeau@miralis.com or 418-714-4492

Rishelle Tarr – 2025/2026 Board Candidate

What is your interest in the CKCA and why would you like to serve on the CKCA Board?

Over the past several years, I’ve been inspired by the tremendous growth and evolution of the CKCA. Its expansion in both membership and national presence reflects not only the vitality of our industry, but also the strength of its leadership and commitment to fostering connection, innovation, and shared learning. I believe the CKCA plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Canadian cabinetry, and I’m eager to contribute to that mission as a board member.

Professionally, I bring a strong background in sales and business development, having led strategic growth in multi-family cabinetry sector and helped establish successful B2B channels across regions. These roles have given me insight into national market trends and the diverse needs of clients and partners across Canada. Being on the board would allow me to share this perspective, while learning even more from others in the industry – especially those working in segments or regions I may not directly interact with day to day.

One of the most valuable parts of my CKCA membership so far has been the opportunity to engage with professionals from across the country. These conversations have been both enlightening and encouraging, offering a broader view of how businesses are adapting, thriving, and supporting each other in a competitive and rapidly changing environment. Serving on the board would deepen these connections and allow me to contribute to building an even more inclusive and collaborative community.

As a woman in a historically male-dominated industry, I also recognize the importance of representation and mentorship. Being part of the CKCA board would not only allow me to lend my voice to important conversations around diversity and inclusion, but also to model leadership and advocacy for other women in the industry – especially those who are early in their careers or navigating leadership paths. I believe that having more women in strategic roles helps broaden perspectives and fosters a richer, more balanced decision-making environment for everyone.

I genuinely enjoy listening, learning, and facilitating meaningful conversations. I see this board opportunity to both contribute and grow – personally and professionally. It’s a chance to stay engaged with evolving challenges and innovations, while playing an active role in guiding the industry’s direction.

I’m proud to be part of this industry, and I’m excited about the potential to help move it forward through service on the CKCA board.

What would you like to tell the voting members about you?

Being only 7 years in the cabinet industry, I feel that I offer fresh insight into helping shape the future of our incredible field. I enjoy tech and process, I enjoy networking and have a deep love for learning and growing individually as well as being a part of the bigger picture for both Westwood and the industry itself.

I also find it fascinating that women are becoming more invested in the industry and I want to continue that momentum by investing time and putting commitment into the CKCA, which in turn, supports an industry that I have grown to appreciate.

You can reach Rishelle at rishellet@westwoodcabinetry.com or 250-801-4304