Photo: Woodworking
There’s a lot going on these days and reflecting on all that’s happening, it’s an opportune time for a CKCA update.
Elections – We’re not done yet
While Canadians made their decision recently, CKCA members are about to make theirs. We are hosting our annual meeting June 19, 2025 where we will elect three board members. We’ve had a record level of interest this year and you will be hearing from these candidates. CKCA members will have the opportunity to cast their vote (one vote per member company).
We look forward to hearing from members. Sadly, after a total of 18 years combined service, two valued board members, James Dewinetz of Pacific Rim Cabinets and Heidi Boudreault, Denca Cabinets will be stepping down having served three consecutive three-year terms each. They have seen CKCA grow and evolve and thanks to their contributions for helping us get to where we are today. Both members were recently acknowledged for their contributions at the CKCA Spring Regional in Ottawa.
Issues to tackle
On a federal level we now wait to see what this government will be doing to address a number of issues. CKCA hosted our partners, CFIB (Canadian Federation of Independent Business) and CME (Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters) along with Summa Strategies, a government relations firm in Ottawa. This panel group presented to more than 130 attendees at the CKCA Spring Regional a day after the federal election results came in. While things still remain uncertain with tariffs, there are many other issues still unfolding that present advocacy opportunities for CKCA.
According to CFIB, who survey their 90,000+ business members regularly, the biggest challenges facing business are economic/political uncertainty, trade uncertainty, operational costs and taxes. The CME predicts the trade war will drive Canada into a moderate recession with annual growth of only 0.7 per cent in 2025 and one per cent in 2026. Manufacturing is contracting in Canada, no doubt these statics are reflective of what is happening in larger sectors such as automotive. Summa Strategies, an Ottawa-based government relations firm reaffirmed some of the issues that CKCA has been working on as potential areas to speak up. Tariff response that includes protecting Canadian industry and workers, addressing the labour shortages (even though unemployment has risen, we know this issue persists), and housing that includes accelerated home building and a commitment to Canadian technology and resources.
Needless to say there is never a shortage of issues to work on. Through CKCA’s partnerships with CFIB and CME we will increase efforts to speak up and leverage the relationships we’ve built with these much bigger organizations that have the ear of government. Most importantly, we all recognize that talk is cheap and tangible action is what we need. Once the government has appointed cabinet, opened parliament, appointed a new speaker of the house, budget and G7 meeting, we should all have a better idea of the direction we’re going. Perhaps then, business will feel more comfortable making long-term plans.
On a positive note
While the political conditions in Canada weigh heavily, there are good things happening. CKCA has embarked on an exciting initiative, the Advanced Manufacturing Peer Group (AMPG).
With a growing number of manufacturing members participating in this initiative and the new vision system technology for edgebanders now being piloted (the first of many technology products being developed by this group), participating companies can look forward to collaborating with other like-minded manufacturers across the country to develop the solutions we need for our industry. Through this group effort we can leverage better pricing and develop scalable solutions because our industry is a mix of large and small manufacturers, all are welcome to participate in this program. Why participate in AMPG? Because instead of having net profits around 5-8 per cent, wouldn’t it be nice to be upwards of 20 per cent? Improved efficiencies can reduce waste, labour costs and more. We’re putting manufacturers in the driver’s seat and the sky’s the limit in terms of improved efficiencies. There’s so much development in robotics, AI and vision systems, it creates an endless supply of possible manufacturing solutions. If you want to join this program or get more information, contact us at sandra@ckca.ca.
What’s next?
CKCA continues to look for new partnerships and recently we’ve started to work with MNP, a client-focused accounting, consulting, tax, and digital services in more than 150 communities from coast to coast. Founded in Brandon, Manitoba in 1958, they are a proudly Canadian company committed to the success of Canadian individuals, businesses, and organizations. Watch for expertise coming your way from this team in the coming months.
CKCA will be working with our communications committee to develop more Canadian made marketing materials to support our industry’s message “We build in Canada”.
CKCA’s Program Committee will be focused on targeted education that arms our members with relevant industry advice. CKCA’s Advocacy Committee will be looking at how we can speak up and leverage our partnerships to get the ear of government and our membership committee will continue to guide our growing membership base.
CKCA recently hosted another sold out event that included plant tours, education and networking. It’s clear that our industry wants to stay connected, has a hunger for learning and recognizes the value in a face-to-face conversation. CKCA will keep doing what we can to ensure our members remain informed and connected. We are here to help.
Upcoming events include an HR Roundtable to bring HR managers together in the industry on May 29. If you want to attend, please contact us. Also more webinars from CKCA and our partners on tariffs, economics and more. This fall we are headed to Kelowna, B.C. Sept. 23-25, to tour Westwood Fine Cabinetry, Norelco Cabinets and Kekuli Bay Cabinetry and yes there will be a stop at a winery.
Registration and sponsorship open in July. We look forward to another sold out, quality event focused on the kitchen cabinet industry
