Page 22 - ARA News Q3 2022

ARA 360°
Headline News From Each Division
Auto Glass
Work to develop a training standard for the auto glass sector to supplement journeyman training is continuing. Our research has concluded that B.C. is unique. While other provinces have limited or no glass trade certification, B.C. has an independent apprenticeship/journeyman program. Options are being explored regarding the possibility of bringing supplemental training to B.C. n
AutoCareersBC
The ARA’s AutoCareersBC program has successfully closed-out the first pedal car project. Six schools have participated in the Pedal Car Challenge across B.C., with the aim of introducing kids to automotive careers and trades. The project was met with great enthusiasm from both schools and industry. n
statements by ICBC around cost control, rate stabilization funds, and the inability to amend rates. These statements are simply that—position statements. There are many flaws that we will continue to challenge. We have approached the government with our concerns, and the ARA continues to advise industry and you to do what is right for your business and operate from the premises that you don’t work for free, and that industry is entitled to fair compensation.
On June 10-11, we hosted the first-ever Collision and Glass Trade Show with 147 guests, delegates, and sponsors registered for the event. We received excellent feedback on the speakers and content presented. Also, great support was provided by the sponsors and suppliers in attendance. During the AGM portion, messages to industry included the actions of the ARA on how we are taking back control, and what industry needs to do to support that process. n
EVfriendly
Join the EVfriendly team for the upcoming BCIT Evolution ’22 Festival of Learning, September 25. The EVfriendly team will be there on location to answer all your questions about EVs and how to become EVfriendly certified. And congratulations to our newest EVfriendly certified partners. Mountain Hwy Collision and A1 Auto Sales have successfully completed their EVfriendly training and certification requirements, and they are now qualified to service customers’ EV needs. n
Licensed Motor Dealers
The shortage of new vehicles is driving up the price of used vehicles; however, independent dealers are still struggling to get inventory on their lots, given the chip shortage that has effected both supply chains. n
Mechanical Repair
With 1,786 signatures, the petition for Right to Repair legislation has reached the House of Commons. Presented on June 21, the petition surpassed its initial goal of 500 signatures by a wide margin. Supported by MP Brian Masse (Windsor-West), this legislation advocates for the rights of consumers to allow independent repair shops access to their data to fix their vehicles. n
Towing and Recovery
Alberta has passed a pilot project that will research the effectiveness of blue lights on tow trucks in helping prevent serious incidents and accidents. The pilot project will take place over a period of one year, with the research being conducted by the University of Calgary. n
Auto Recyclers
Insurers, repairers, auctions, dealers, OEMs, dismantlers, scrappers, shredders, shippers, core buyers, battery buyers, battery recyclers, trainers, and governments are all scrambling to better understand what electric vehicles (EVs) mean for both business and the future. If we do not control the narrative on EVs and our sector, someone else will. Thank you to all the auto recyclers that took the time to complete ARC’s online survey examining the EV supply chain. The Auto Recyclers of B.C. are working diligently with ARC to develop a roadmap for the end-of-life handling of EV batteries. n
Collision Repair
Although the AIA’s National Canadian Collision Industry Accreditation Program (CCIAP), which operates in partnership with Certified Collision Repair (CCR) program, has been disbanded, the ARA’s CCR program continues to thrive. The objective, which is to provide a program for and by industry to demonstrate to consumers and insurers that member facilities have the proper tools, infrastructure, and training to complete repairs to modern vehicles, continues to be fulfilled. Already in Saskatchewan, representatives of Manitoba’s ATA are exploring the adoption of the CCR program, creating a Western Canada program.
The ARA’s research and persistence related to ICBC’s delays to repair decisions and total loss removal has resulted in changes to processes and the implementation of a new online tow request. The ARA continues to press for reform to ICBC‘s hiring practices.
The ARA has put pressure on ICBC to explain the rational behind how they established the rate schedule amounts. We continue to challenge
ARA NEWS | 3RD QUARTER 2022
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